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COPYRIGHT DEPOSnV 



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(iEORUE M. BROWN, Oudnaxc k Skr(;evxt U. S. A. 



Ponce de Ceon Land 



and 



florida mar Record 




fourth edition. 

St Augustine, f lorlda. 

By 6. m. Brown 
Ord. Scrgt. ii. $. J\. 



COPYEICJHT 1902. 

Bv George m. Brown. 




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Steamer CITY of JACKSONVILLE is Appointed to Sail as Follows : 

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Sergeant George M. Brown was born and passed his youth in 
Jefferson county, New York, and, on April 37th, 1861, enlisted in 
Co. G, 35th N. Y. V. I. On December 13th, 1862, having been 
taken prisoner, was paroled, exchanged on the 28th of June, 1863. 
and the next day he re-enlisted in Co. D, 20th N. Y. V. Cav., in 
which he served until the cose of the war, being mustered out July 
31st, 1865. On March 6th, 1866, he was enlisted in Co. F, 3d Bat- 
talion 16th Inf., U. S. A. 

During his enlistments from 1861-65 Sergeant Brown served 
practically all the time with the Army of the Potomac, and took 
part in nearly all of the principal battles of the Virginia cam- 
paigns. He was in eight pitched battles and twelve minor engage- 
ments, besides the lesser skirmishes. 

In 1866 he was made corporal, and detailed in charge of the 
cholera wards, during the epidemic in Nashville, Tenn. In June. 
1866, he took part in suppressing the negro riots in Memphis, and 
in the winter of 1866-67 he was sent to Corinth and Pittsburg Land- 
ing, Miss., to assist in the ■establishment and construction of the 
National Cemeteries, and the reinterment of the dead in these ceme- 
teries. 

While stationed at Columbus, Miss., he assisted in maintain- 
ing order, dtiring the first election in Mississippi, under the 14th 
and 15th amendments, and was there during the most critical pe- 
riod of the reconstruction days. He remained in Mississippi until 
1871, and then was ordered to Louisville, Ky., on duty at Louisville. 
Frankfort, Lexington and Lebanon, Ivy., and at the Eed Eiver Iron 
Works in Kentucky, looking after the Ivu-Klux. At Newport, Ky., 
in 1874, then to Hunts ville, Ala. From Huntsville to Aberdeen, 
Miss., and from there back to Huntsville. Sent from there on a 
rush order to New Orleans, to put down White Cap demonstra- 
tions. In June, 1875, ordered to Fort Riley, Kansas, and took part 
in campaign against the Northern Cheyennes, and was present at 
the battle of Sand Creek, Kansas, on the 21st and 22d of September, 
1878. Part of the time during 1878 and 1879 on duty in Oklaho- 
ma and Indian Territory keeping out boomers. From 1880 to 1884 
stationed at Fort Concho, Texas, raiding horse-thieves, and doing 
patrol duty on military roads and telegraph lines between Forts 
Concho and Davis. Appointed Ord. Sergeant May 5th, 1884, and 
ordered to Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas. On June 23d, 1885, sent 
to Fort Marion, by General Order No. 142, Ext. 10. A. G. 0. On 
duty at Fort Marion since continuously, and on September 3d. 
1900, in charge also of St. Francis Barracks and National Ceme- 
tery at St. Augustine, and the battery on Anastasia Island and 
Military Reservations. 

Sergeant Brown is perhaps the only man now in the army who 
is serving under order made by General P. H. Sheridan. 



INDEX. 

Ponce de Leon Land and Florida Wab Recobd. 



Page 

Frontispiece — Seageant Brown. 

Biographical Sketch of Sergeant Brown i 

Fac Simile of Archbishop Corrigan's Letter v 

Fac Simile Oj! Signature of Peter Menendez vf 

Chronological Table vii 

CHAPTER I. 
Birth and Early Life of Ponce de Leon 3 

CHAPTER n. 
The Conquest of Porto Rico 3 

CHAPTER III. 

Ponce de Leon Assumes Command of the Island. The Tests Made 

by the Indians to Find WTiether the Spaniards Were Mortals. . 4 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Indians Attack the Spaniards. Death of Satomayor 5 

CHAPTER V 

Ponce de Leon Resigns Command of Porto Rico, and Returns to 
Spain to Look after His Ward Left Him by Satomayor. He 
Hears of the Fountain of Youth 9 

CHAPTER VI. 

Ponce de Leon's Introduction to His Ward, Dona Inez de Sato- 
mayor. He accepts the Guardianship 10 

CHAPTER VII. 

Ponce de Leon's Search for the Fountain of Youth. His Discovery 

of Florida. Landing on the 3d of April. 1512 22 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Ponce de Leon's Expedition Against the Carribees 24 

CHAPTER IX. 

Ponce de Leon's Last Voyage. Attempted Settlement of Florida. 

His Death and Burial in Cuba 24 

CHAPTER X. 

The Second Attempt to Settle Florida by Panfilo Narvaez. Its Fail- 

ij^re and Loss of All the Party but Four 2ti 



Ponce de Leon Land. iii 

CHAPTER XI. Page 

The Third Attempt to Settle Florida by Heruando de Soto Re, alts 
in the Loss of His Life by Disease, and All but Three Hun Ired 
of His Command 29 

CHAPTER XII. 

Huguenot, Settlement Under Ribault and Laudonniere 33 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Founding of St. Augustine by Menendez in 1565. Attack on the 

French Settlement on the St. Johns 34 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Massacre of the French Colonists by Menendez. Letter of Pope 
Pius V. Refusal of Charles IX. to Take Notice of the Slaugh- 
ter of His Subjects. Petition of Nine Hundred Widows and 
Orphans Unheeded. Menendez Strengthens His Position 36 

CHAPTER XV. 

Laying Out the Town with Its Defences. Erection of a Church and 

a Hall of Justice 41 

CHAPTER XVL 

Expedition and Retaliation of De Gourges 42 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Attack of Sir Francis Drake on St. Augustine, 8th May, 1586, Cap- 
turing £2.000 Sterling • 51 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Establishment of Mission; Massacre of the Missionaries by the 

Indians 5T 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Capture of Apalaehian Indians; Their Work on the Defences of St. 

Augustine: Progress of the Colony 54 

CHAPTER XX. 

Captain Davis's Attack on the City; The Commencement of the 

Sea Wall 54 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Governor Moore's Attack on St. Augustine, 1702 55 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Colonel Palmer's Invasion of Florida 59 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Oglethorpe's Attack on St. Augustine and Siege of Fort Marion. . . 60 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

History of the Inquisition, Ancient and Modern; Its Effect on the 

Settlement of Florida 66 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Completion of the Castle 71 



IV 



PoNCK Di; Li;o\ Land. 



CHAPTER XXVI. Page 

The History of Fort Marion 71" 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Siege Operations 82 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

The Transfer of Florida to England 92 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Re-cession of Florida to Spain 95 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Transfer of Florida to the United States 96 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

The Seminole War 98 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Incidents of the Seminole War in the Vicinity of St. Augustine. . . . 107 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Coacoochee's and Hadjo's Escape Ill 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Fort Marion Occupied by Florida Troops in 1861 114 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Confinement cf Indian Prisoners in Fort Marion 114 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

St. Augustine Hotels. Conclusion 116 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Some Explanations 117 

Florida's War Record 119 



Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHEONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1512 — March 27, Florida discovered by Ponce de Leon. 

1512 — April 3, First Landing of Ponce de Leon at St. Augustine. 

1521 — Ponce de Leon again visits Florida. 

1521 — Death of Ponce de Leon in Cuba. 

1528 — Panfilo Narvaez lands in Florida. 

1539 — May, De Soto lands at Tampa Bay. 

1542— May 21, Death of De Soto. 

1555 — Publication of De Vaca's account of Narvaez's expedition. 

1564 — July, Huguenot settlement of Florida under Eibault and 

Laudonnier. 
1565 — Sept. 6, St. Augustine settled and Fort Marion begun by 

Menendez. 
1565 — Sept. 19, Capture of French forts on St. John's River by 

Menendez. 
1565 — Sept., Wreck of Ribault's fleet between Mosquito and Ma- 

tanzas Inlets. 
1565 — Massacre of the French by Menendez on Anastasia Island. 
1566 — The Indians under Saturiva wage war on the Spaniards. 
1568 — De Gourgues lands in Florida to revenge French massacre. 
1568 — Capture of Spanish forts and massacre by De Gourgues. 
15'>'4 — Death of Menendez. 
1582— Death of De Gourgues. 

1583 — Spanish attempt Christianization of the Indians. 
1583 — Convent of St. Francisco founded in St. Augustine. 
1586 — May 8, Sir Francis Drake attacks St. Augustine. 
1592 — Father Francis Pauja translates first book into Indian 

language. 
1599 — March 14, Convent of St. Francisco at St. Augustine burned. 
1611 — Indians pillage St. Augustine and kill priests. 
1638-1640 — Appalachian Indians captured and sent to St. Au- 
gustine to labor on public works. 
1665 — Attack on St. Augustine by Captain Davis. 
1690 — Commencement of the sea wall. 
1702 — Governor Moore of Carolina invades Florida and attacks St. 

Augustine. 
1704 — Governor Moore of Carolina invades Florida and attacks St. 

Augustine second time. 
1725 — Colonel Palmer invades Florida. 
1740 — General Oglethorpe attacks St. Augustine and besieges the 

Fort. 



vi? Ponce de Leon LaNid".' 

1740 — Snowstorm in St. Augustine. 

1755 — Don Alonzo Fernandez de Herrera, Governor of Florida. 

1756— Completion of the Fort. 

1763— Florida ceded to England. 

176,7-— Nicolas Turnbull brings Minorcans to Florida. 

1769 — Minorcan insurrection. 

1776 — Minorcans freed by courts from contract with Turnbull. 

1776 — Freezing weather in St. Augustine. i 

1777 — Expedition of General Provost from St. Augustine against I 

Savannah. ' 

1783 — Devereux expedition from St. Augustine against New Prov- i 

idence. j 

1783 — Florida re-ceded by Great Britain to Spain. j 

1793 — Cathedral in St. Augustine begun. i 

1812 — Monument to Spanish Constitution erected in St. Augustine. ' 

1817 — McGregor Eebellion. 

1818 — General Jackson invades Florida. ,\ 

1821 — July 12, Stars and Stripes raised over Fort Marion. • 

1833 — Legislature (Territorial) meets in St. Augustine. ' 

1830 — First Presbyterian Church is built in St. Augustine. I 

1832 — Treaty of Payne's Landing. I 

1833 — Protestant Episcopal Church consecrated. i 

1835 — Breaking out of Seminole War. I 

1835-1842 — Present sea wall built by IT. S. Government. I 

1835 — Dade Massacre. j 

1835-1842— Seminole War. j 

1836 — Escape of Coacoochee and Hadjo from Fort Marion. ' 

1840 — Methodist Chapel built in St. Augustine. 
1861 — Fort Marion seized by Florida troops. 
1862 — Fort Marion occupied by Commander Rodgers, U. S. N, 
1888— "Big Freeze." \ 



rchbishop' s House , 

452 Madison Ave . . 

New York. March 25. 1893 

Vir. GeorKB M. Brown. 

Ordinance Sergeant, U. S. A. 

DEAR SIR--A few weeks ago you had the kindness 
escort'me through Fort Marion, and to ask rae to let 
you know what I thought about your pamphlet entitled 
' 'Ponoe DeLeon Land. ' ' 

In the first place, your account of the right of 
Sanctuary, page 64, is quite correct. This right is 
now obsolete, but in former times it was recognized 
throughout Christendom. Prisoners who made their way 
to Churches could claim the right of Asylum or Sanc- 
tuary, and could not be conveyed thence by the offi- 
cers of the Civil Law without the sanction of the 
Church. This law was an outgrowth -of Christian cus- 
toms, based on certain passages of the Old Law. It 
was an Ecclesiastical, not a Divine Law, and was mod- 
ified afterw&rds according to circumstances. 

On page 22 you give the letter of Pope Pius V. 
6igning it, St. Pius V., Pope. Of course the Pontiff 
never signed it in that way. but simply Pius V..Pope. 
The title of. ''Saint'' is not permitted to be given 
to anyone, no matter how holy he may be. until fifty 
years after his death, and after his life has been 
thoroughly examined, qnd proved to be one of heroic 
sanctity. 

I presume the title of Saint on page 40. given 
to Francisco Marroze, is a similar slip. 

Apart from these slight inaccuracies, which are 
almost unavoidable in one who is not familiar with 
Catholic terminology, the pamphlet is very inter- 
esting, and i again return my thanks for your courtesy 
iji presenting me with a copy. 

I am,. dear sir." with best wishes. 

Very respectfully yours. 



Ponce De Leon Land. 



FOURTH EDITION. 



CHAPTEE I. 



PONCE DE LEON" was born in the Province of Leon and 
was a worthy member of the celebrated family whose his- 
tory is connected with that province. 

He was appointed page to Pedro Nunez de Guzman, Lord of 
Taral. He received his military instruction at an age when most 
children are under the care of the nurse. He early evinced such 
an aptitude for a military career that De Guzman placed him under 
the instruction of some of the most brilliant officers of that period. 
In his many campaigns against the Moors he learned a peculiar art 
of war, which was of great benefit to him in after years, especially 
in his campaigns against the Indians in the Western hemisphere. 

In this school he learned one of the most essential points in 
military tactics ; that is to pick the men best qualified for the duties 
they are to perform; few men are capable of making good scouts, 
which is one of the most important duties performed by troops in 
the field. The chief duty of a scout is to give as near a correct 
report as possible of the position and number of the enemy, the 
strength of their works, if they have any, and the mimber of guns 
available for attack, offensive or defensive. With correct informa- 
tion on these points, the commander can place his force in the best 
position to insure success. This information is of special impor- 
tance when operating against numbers largely in excess of one's 
own. 

In the field De Leon was the bravest of the brave, regarding 
the safety and welfare of his men more than he did his own. With 
a vigorous constitution that fatigue or hardship could but little 
effect, together with good judgment in selecting his men for the 
important duties he wished to have performed, made him an excel- 
lent leader. It was not surprising that he was successful in his 
many expeditions, and that he frequently received commendation 



2 Ponce de Leon Land. 

from the King and Queen for his gallant conduct in the presence 
of the enemy, and for his sagacity in taking advantage of every 
point exposed by them. 

\Alien Columbus fitted out his second expedition to the West- 
ern Hemisphere, Ponce de Leon was one of the first to volunteer 
his services. Columbus recognized at once the benefit it would 
be to him to have such a brave and gallant officer associated with 
him, and as a consequence his services were accepted. After arriv- 
ing in Cuba he was assigned next in command to Juan de Esquival. 
And in his brilliant campaign against the province of Higuey 
shortly after, which was the most sanguinary that had been waged 
against the Indians in the Spanish colonies, he was promoted to the 
command of the above named province under the Governor of His- 
paniola. The quiet life as Governor of this province did not suit 
the adventurous spirit of Ponce de Leon, and he soon planned a 
campaign against the island of Boriquen, whose green mountains 
shone against the bright sky about fourteen leagues distant. He 
learned from the Indians who visited his province frequently that 
the rivers and mountains of the island contained large quantities 
of gold. Upon learning this he sought permission of Governor 
Ovando to explore the island, to find out if there was any truth in 
the report he had received. This request was willingly granted by 
Ovando. In 1508 he fitted out his expedition to Boriquen, consist- 
ing of a caravel and a few small boats with a detachment of Span 
iards and a few Indians for guides and interpreters. A few hours' 
sail brought his command to the island. He landed near the main 
Indian settlement commanded by their head chief, Agueybana. 
The Indians received the strangers with great courtesy, vicing with 
each other in paying respects to the Spaniards. Ponce de Leon 
exchanged names with the Chief Agueybana, which was the Indian 
pledge of perpetual amity, and also gave Christian names to the 
chief's family, who always took great pride in the names thus given. 
The chief took the Spaniards through die most fertile part of the 
island, showing them their best fields of yuca, their groves laden 
with choicest fruit, and their excellent streams of water. De Leon 
cared but little for anything the natives could show him, except 
gold, which was the main object of his search. The chief conducted 
him to two rivers, the Manataubon and Zebuco, where the very peb- 
bles were richly veined with gold. The largest grains were gath* 
ered and given to the Spaniards for samples. There was no ques- 
tion but that large quantities of this precious metal abounded in 
these streams. De Leon left several of his men with the Indians 
and returned to Hayti to report to Governor Ovando the result of 
his expedition. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHAPTER IL 



THE Indians of Porto Rico were more fierce in their disposition 
than those of Hispaniola. They had been schooled to war 
from childhood, especially in repelling the frequent attacks 
of the Caribs, who were Canniljals, and inhabited the neighboring 
islands. The settlement of Boriquen would be more difficult than 
the settlement of Hispaniola. Ponce de Leon, therefore, made 
another and preparatory visit to the island, to inform himself of 
the topography of the country, its resources and the character of 
its people. He found the troops he had left on the island in good 
health and spirits, they having been well treated by Agueybana 
and his people ; there seemed to be no need of bloodshed to gain the 
island from such hospitable people. 

Ponce de Leon had strong hopes of being appointed Governor 
by Ovando and of bringing the whole island peaceably into sub- 
jection. He on that account remained some time on the island 
prospecting for gold and looking out for the best point of settle- 
ment. He then returned to San Domingo to get his appointment 
as Governor, but during his absence the whole governing power had 
changed. 

Governor Ovando had been recalled to Spain. Diego Colum- 
bus had been appointed in his place to the command of San Do- 
mingo, Christoval de Satomayor had been ordered to build a fort- 
ress and establish a settlement on the island of Porto Rico. Sak)- 
mayor was a brother to the Count of Camina and secretary to Philip 
the I, the handsome King of Castile, the father of Charles V. 

Don Diego Columbus was very much displeased with the ap- 
pointment of Satomayor as Governor, as it had been done without 
his knowledge or consent, and contrary to the King's agreement 
with Don Diego as his viceroy, who wa-s tt) be consulted in all 
appointments made in his jurisdiction. To settle the matter he 
confirmed neither of them, but appointed Juan Ceron as Governor 
of Porto Rico and Miguel Diego as his Lieutenant Governor. 

Ponce de Leon and Satomayor took their disappointment as 
best they could. They hoped to better their fortunes in the island, 
and joined the settlers that accompanied the new Governor. New 
changes took place in consequence of the jealousies and misunder- 
standings between King Ferdinand and the admiral as to points 
of privilege. The King still seemed disposed to maintain the right 
of making appointments, without consulting Don Diego, and 
exerted it in the present instance. Wh-en Ovando returned to 



4 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Spain he made such a favorable report of the conduct of Ponce de 
Leon and the merits of his services to tlie crown, that the King 
appointed him Governor of the island and charged Don Diego 
Columbus not to displace him. 



CHAPTER III. 



PONCE DE LEON on assuming command of Boriquen had a 
quarrel with Ceron and Diaz and sent them prisoners to 
Spain. With Satomayor it was different. He took a liking 
to him from their first meeting and appointed him Lieutenant 
Governor and Alcaldy Mayor, which office he accepted. Satomaj-or 
had a large repartimiento of Indians assigned to him by a grant 
from the King, but he soon resigned his rank, as it took too much 
time from his personal affairs. 

Ponce de Leon established his town on the north side of the 
island about one league from the sea, where he supposed that the 
best gold deposits were to be found. It was opposite the port called 
Eico, which name was afterwards given to the island. The road 
to the town was horrible for man or beast; it cost more to carry 
their supplies this league than it had to bring them from Spain. 

After having firmly established his government, he portioned 
out the island into districts and towns and distributed the Indians 
into repartimientos to secure their labor. 

The Indians soon found the difference between Spaniards as 
guests and Spaniards as masters. They were driven to desperation 
by the heavy tasks imposed upon them; restraint and labor were 
worse than death. The most hardy and daring proposed a general 
massacre of their enslavers, but many were deterred by the l^elief 
that the Spaniards were supernatural beings and could not be 
killed. 

A shrewd chief named Brayoan tested their immortality. 
Learning that a Spaniard named Salzedo would pass through his 
country, he sent out a party to escort him, instructing them to 
drown him when they came to the river. The Indians took him on 
their shoulders to carry him across, and when in mid-stream they 
threw him into the water and fell on top of him, holding him 
ander the water until he was dead. The chief examined the body 
and pronounced it lifeless, but the Indians kept it for three days 
until putrification had commenced to take place. This convinced 
the Indians that the Spaniards were mortal men, and that they 
could kill them the same as an Indian. 



Ponce de Leox Land. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

THE chief who organized the attack on the Spaniards was Aguey- 
bana, brother to the head chief of the island, who had died a 
short time previous to the outbrealc of the savages. The pres- 
ent chief had been alloted to Don Christoval de Satomayor in the 
repartimiento and was treated Avith kindness by him, but the wild 
Indian spirit would never accept slavery under any conditions. 

Agueybana called his followers together and organized his men 
for a combined effort against the Spaniards, who were scattered 
over the island. He proposed that at a certain time each chief should 
kill all the whites in his province. In planning the attack, Aguey- 
bana assigned one of his sub-chiefs to the duty of attacking the set- 
tlement of Satomayor with a force of 3,000 warriors. The attack 
was to be made just before daylight with the instruction to fire 
their houses and to slaughter all the settlers. He reserved the 
right to kill Satomayor himself. 

Don Christoval had one very warm friend among the savages. 
Being a very handsome man he gained the love of an Indian princess, 
the sister of Agueybana, and the handsomest maid on the island. 
She had heard enough of the war council of the savages to learn 
that Satomayor was to be killed at the first opportunity. The 
life of her lover being more to her than all the rest of the world, 
she hastened to him and disclosed the plot against his life and all 
the rest of the Spaniards. Satomayor being a frank, open-hearted 
man, doubted that the savages would dare attack them He con- 
sidered the warning given ''by the princess was on account of her 
great love for him, and did not take heed. 

Soon after he received warning from a Spaniard that under- 
stood the Indain language and their customs. He found that large 
numbers of them had gathered together frequently, painted for bat- 
tle. Suspecting that they intended to make an attack upon the 
whites, he stripped and painted himself, and thus disguised as an 
Indian he mingled freely among them. At night they assembled 
around a large fire, performing their war dances to the chant of an 
Areyto or legendary ballad, which was to incite them to kill their 
oppressors. 

The Spaniard withdrew from the savages without detection and 
proceeded to notify Don Christoval of the contemplated attack and 
the special design on his own life. Again he did not heed the 
warning he had received, or give it the consideration that the 
danger of the situation demanded, but concluded that he had better 
report the matter to Ponce de Leon, who was at his stronghold at 



6 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Caparra. With his usual carelessness, he asked Agueybana for 
men to carry his baggage to Caparra. He left his home only 
lightly armed, and accompanied by but three of his own people, 
knowing that he had to cross through some difficult mountain 
passes and dense forests, which would afford secure hiding places 
for lurking Indians. 

Agueybana observed the departure of Satomayor with great 
pleasure and determined to kill him before he could reach Ponce de 
Leon at Caparra. Selecting a number of his most trusted braves, 
he followed the small detachment of Spaniards closely. A short dis- 
tance from their starting point they encountered a Spaniard who 
could speak the Indian language. They attacked him and wounded 
him severely. He begged Agueybana to spare his life, and the chief, 
being anxious to secure Don Christoval, did not stop to dispatch 
him, but hastened after the detachment of Spaniards, which he soon 
overtook in a dense portion of the forest. Eaising their terrible war 
whoop, they rushed to the attack. Before Satomayor could defend 
himself he fell to the earth with a blow from a war club, and 
he was quickly dispatched by the Indians, who were assisted by the 
guides furnished to Satomayor. They killed the remaining Span- 
iards. 

Agueybana having satiated his wrath on Satomayor, with his 
party started out in quest of Juan Gonzalez, the Spaniard they had 
wounded, but in the interval he had recovered strength enough to 
enable him to conceal himself in a tree. The ' Indians hunted 
through the surrounding forest for some time, and finding no trace 
of him, they abandoned the search. Though suffering for food and 
water, Gonzalez did not dare to attempt to escape from his conceal- 
ment until night had set in. Under cover of darkness he made his 
way to the abode of one of the Spaniards, where he received kind 
care and attention. After his wounds had been dressed and a sup- 
ply of food and water had been furnished him, he set out at once to 
warn De Leon of the great danger that Satomayor and his followers 
were supposed to be in, not knowing that the treacherous foe had 
killed the whole party. De Leon dispatched men at once to their 
assistance, who soon came to the place where their comrades had 
been slaughtered and partially buried in the earth. 

During this time the savages had burned the village of Sato- 
mayor to the ground. They made the attack in the darloiess of 
night, and the first intimation the Spaniards had of danger was the 
blazing of the straw-thatched roofs and the loud w^ar v/hoops of the 
Indians as they sprang from their cover to the attack, slaughtering 
the Spaniards wherever they could find them, until at last a brave 
fellow named Salazar rallied his people together, and making a de- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 7 

termined onslaught on their foes, succeeded in driving off the In- 
dians and conducted a large part of his people to their defenses at 
Caparra. In a few short hours Ponce de Leon learned of the gen- 
eral outbreak of all the Indians on the island and the massacre of 
nearly one hundred of his people, and the destruction of all the 
places established by the Spaniards, except their present fortress. 

He found himself in a very bad predicament, with small chance 
of extricating himself from it. His settlements were entirely 
destroyed, and a large number of his men wounded and disabled, 
his whole remaining force not exceeding one hundred men. 

Agueybana had induced all the Indians on the island to join 
in the attack, and even sent runners to the Caribs for assistance 
to help exterminate the whites. Agueybana assembled nearly all 
the warriors for the attack on the fortress at Caparra; the forest 
literally swarmed with savages ; the din of their war conchs, the roar 
of their drums, together with sounds of their war cries, was enough 
to appall a much larger and better protected body of men. 

Ponce de Leon was a staunch and wary old soldier, and not 
easily daunted. He remained grimly ensconced within his fortress 
from whence he dispatched messengers in all haste to Hispaniola, 
imploring immediate assistance. In the meantime he tasked his 
wits to divert the enemy and to keep them at bay. He divided his 
little force into three bodies of about thirty men each, under the 
command of Diego Salazar, Miguel de Toro and Luis de Anasco, 
and sent them out alternately to make sudden sorties and assaults, 
to form ambuscades and to practice the other stratagems of partisan 
warfare which he had learned in early life in his campaigns against 
the Moors of Grenada. One of his most efficient warriors was a dog 
named Berezillo, renowned for courage, strength and sagacity. It 
is said that he could distinguish those of the Indians who were allies 
from those whe were enemies of the Spaniards. To the former he 
was docile, and to the latter fierce and implacable. He was the 
terror of the natives who were unaccustomed to powerful and 
ferocious animals, and did more service in this wild warfare than 
could have been rendered by several soldiers. His prowess was 
so highly appreciated that his master received for him the pay 
and allowance, and share of booty assigned to a cross-bowman, 
yhich was the highest stipend given any soldier of the line. 

In a short time Ponce de Leon was reinforced by troops from 
Hispaniola, whereupon he sallied forth boldly to take revenge upon 
those who had thus held him in durance. His foe Agueybana was 
at that time encamped in his own territory, with more than five 
thousand warriors, but in a negligent, unwatchful state, for he knew 
nothing of the reinforcement of the Spaniards, and supposed Juan 



8 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Ponce securely hemmed in with his handful of men in Caparra. 
The old soldier took him completely by surprise and routed him 
with great slaughter. Indeed, it is said that the Indians were 
struck with a kind of panic when they saw the Spaniards as numer- 
ous as ever, notwithstanding the number they had masacred. Their 
belief in their immortality revived; they fancied that those whom 
they had slain had returned to life, and they despaired of victory 
over beings who could thus arise with renovated vigor from the 
grave. 

Various petty actions and skirmishes afterwards took place, in 
\vhich the Indians were defeated. Agueybana, however, disdained 
this petty warfare, and stirred up his countrymen to assemble their 
forces, and by one grand assault to decide the fate of themselves 
and their island. Juan Ponce received secret tidings of their intent 
and of the place where they were assembling. He had at that time 
barely eighty men at his disposal, but they w^ere cased in steel 
and proof against the weapons of the Indians. Without stopping to 
reflect, the high-mettled soldier put himself at their head and led 
them through the forest in quest of the foe. 

It was nearly sunset when he came in sight of the Indian 
camp. The multitude of warriors assembled made him pause and 
almost repent of his temerity. He was as shrewd as he was hardy 
and resolute; so, ordering some of his men in the advance to 
skirmish with the enemy, he hastily threw up a slight fortification, 
with the assistance of the rest. When it was finished he withdrew 
his forces into it and ordered them to keep on the defensive. The 
Indians made repeated attacks, but were repulsed with great loss. 
Some of the Spaniards, impatient of their covert warfare, sallied 
forth in open field, with pike and cross-bow, but were called back 
within the fortification by their commander. 

The cacique, Agueybana, was enraged at finding his host of 
warriors baffled and kept at bay by a mere handful of Spaniards. 
He beheld night closing in, and fearing that in the darkness the 
enemy would escape, summoned his bravest warriors around him, 
and led the way in a general assault. When he approached the 
fortress he received a mortal wound from an arquebuse, and fell 
dead upon the spot. 

The Spaniards were not aware at first of the importance of 
the chief they had slain. They soon surmised it, however, from the 
confusion that ensued among the enemy, who bore off the body 
Math great lamentations, and made no further attack. 

Ponce de Leon took advantage of the evident distress of the 
foe to draw off his small force in the night, happy to get out of 
the terrible jeopardy into which his rash confidence had placed 



Ponce de Leon Land. 9 

bim. Some of his fiery-spirited officers would have kept the field, 
in spite of the overwhelming force of the Indians. "Xo, no," said 
the shrewd old veteran ; "it is better to protract the war than to risk 
all upon a single battle." 

While Ponce de licon was fighting hard to maintain his sway- 
over the island, his transient dignity was overturned by a power 
beyond his control. King Ferdinand repented of the step he had 
taken in superceding the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor ap- 
pointed by Don Diego Columbus. He became convinced, though 
rather tardily, that it was an infringement of the rights of the 
admiral, and that policy, as well as justice, required him to retract 
it. When Juan Ceron and Miguel Diaz returned, prisoners, to 
Spain he received them graciously and conferred many favors on 
them to atone for their unjust ejectment from office, and after some 
time, sent them back, empowered to resume command of the island. 
They were ordered, however, on no account to manifest rancor 
against Juan Ponce de Leon, or to interfere with any property he 
might hold, either in houses, land or Indians, but on the contrary, 
to cultivate the most friendly relations with him. The King afeo 
wrote to the hardy veteran, explaining to him that his restitution 
of Ceron and Diaz had been determined upon in council as a mere 
act of justice due them, but was not intended as a censure upon his 
conduct, and that measures should be taken to indemnify him for 
the loss of his command. 

By the time the Governor and his Lieutenant reached the 
island Juan Ponce had completed its subjugation. The loss of the 
island's champion, the brave Agueybana, had, in fact, been a death- 
blow to the natives, and showed how much, in savage warfare, 
depended upon a certain chieftain. They never combined in war 
afterwards, but dispersing among their forests and fnountains, fell 
gradually under the power of the Spaniards. Their subsequent 
fate was like that of their neighbors of Hayti ; they were employed 
in the labor of the mines, and in other rough work, so repugnant 
to their nature that they sank beneath it. In a little while almost 
all the aborigines disappeared from the island. 



CHAPTEE V. 



BEFORE Ponce de Leon was superseded in the command of 
Porto Rico, he was visited by Agueybana's sister, the Indian 
princess, the most beautiful maiden on the island, to whom 
Don Christoval had intrusted some important papers, to be deliv- 



10 Ponce de Leon Land. 

ered to Ponce de Leon in case anything should happen to him 
during the outbreak. She was the only person he could place 
implicit reliance upon. She promised, in case anything should hap- 
pen to Don Christoval, to deliver the papers to Ponce de Leon, or 
lose her life in the attempt. It was at great danger to her life that 
she succeeded in reaching Caparra and delivering the papers into 
the hands of Ponce de Leon. 

Don Christoval seemed to have a presentiment that the Indians 
might destroy his little colony, and requested Ponce de Leon to 
take care of the faithful maid who brought him the m^essage, and 
special care of his ward, Donna Inez de Satomayor. With the 
former. Ponce de Leon had no trouble. He sent her to Hispaniola 
Avith a trusted messenger, and placed her in care of one of his 
friends and made ample provision for her tuition and maintenance 
for life. The other charge, however, was a very delicate matter. 
What could he do for a young and titled lady? He saw at once 
the difficulty he would encounter in the situation he was placed in. 
How could a man like him, who had passed his life in camp and 
field of battle, expect to guide and instruct a young lady like 
Donna Inez Satomayor? 

His being relieved as Governor of Porto Eico had no effect 
upon the gallant and sturdy old warrior. There was a new world 
to be divided among men like him, who had the sense and courage 
to take it. He had amassed wealth enough to make him independ- 
ent. The one point that did worry him was, how could he comply 
with the request of Don Christoval de Satomayor ? There was but 
one way, and that was to go back to Spain and settle the matter 
beyond any question. He embarked at once for Spain to carry out 
the request of his slaughtered comrade, and on his arrival there 
immediately proceeded to visit Donna Inez, so that he could pro- 
vide for her and return to Hispaniola for the purpose of further 
exploration in the Western Hemisphere. 



CHAPTER. VI. 



ON arriving at his destination, Ponce de Leon was conducted to 
the residence of Donna Inez. Great was the surprise when 
he was introduced to the beautiful ward of Don Christoval. 
If any one had told him that a person so lovely existed on the face 
of the earth he would have doubted it. The man who had so often 
faced death in almost every form, now stood dumb for a moment. 
What was this that cam.e before his vision? Was he dreaming or 



Ponce de Leon Land. 11 

in a trance? Could it be possible that this was the ward his old 
companion in arms had asked him to love, cherish and protect 
as a father? With an extraordinary effort he collected his senses 
and advanced to meet Donna Inez, and received the warm clasp 
of her hand, which he raised to his lips with reverence. She saw 
at once that he was greatly disturbed by something. What it was 
she could not imagine. In a moment he collected his scattered 
senses and remembered what had brought him back to Spain. He 
placed his hand in his pocket and drew forth the package that he 
had received from her foster father, through Agueybana's sister. 
The moment her eyes caught sight of the superscription a glad 
smile of pleasure broke over her features. She recognized the 
writing of her foster father, whom she had heard from but once 
since his departure from Spain. He had spoken very highly of 
Juan Ponce, and given her quite a history of the veteran cavalier. 
Juan Ponce was the first to inform her of the death of her foster 
father. She was struck dumb with grief when he told her that 
he had been slain by the treacherous savages; tears blinded her 
eyes so she was unable to read the large package of papers that 
had been sent to her by her guide, protector and more than father. 
Both of her parents having died when she was an infant, she had 
been left to the care and protection of her kinsman. 

When this infant was brought to Don Christoval by a large 
retinue of servants, together with the papers and instructions per- 
taining to her estates, and his appointment as guardian, with the 
request that he would be a kind and loving protector to their 
orphan child, Don Christoval recognized at once the great respon- 
sibility that had been placed upon him by the death of his kins- 
man. When this little infant was placed in his arms, with its large, 
black eyes looking into his without the least sign of terror or fear, 
his heart went out to it in a great wave of love that time never 
dimmed. He there and then registered a vow that as long as life 
lasted he would love, guide and protect this sacred charge. He 
made arrangements at once for the care of his little ward, retain- 
ing for her a nurse and a large number of the people who had been 
connected with her own household, and set about the arrangement 
of her estates, so as to derive the greatest benefits for his foster 
child at such time as she would need them. This little child grew 
up to be one of the most beautiful maidens in Sunny Spain. Don 
Christoval spared no expense to give her the best education that 
it was possible to procure. He took her to his heart and cherished 
her as the greatest blessing Divine Providence could have bestowed 
upon him. He saw at once that he was a better man for having this 
sweet-tempered companion. 



12 PoxcE DE Leon Land. 

The time came, liowever. when ho found he had other duties 
incumbent upon him. His King and country required his services ; 
and it would be necessary to leave his foster daughter under the 
care of some one else. The infant had meantime developed into a 
sprightly, intelligent and healthy young lady. Her estates had been 
so well managed that on arriving at her majority she would possess 
one of the largest dowries in all Spain. 

Don Christoval was appointed Governor of Porto Eico, which 
necessitated his leaving his home for a time at least. Before leaving 
he transferred his own affairs, together with those of his foster 
child, to his younger brother. Count of Camina, whom he knew 
would give them best of care and attention. It was with reluctance 
that he obeyed the command of his King to accept the GDvernorship 
of a province in the Western Hemisphere, but his sense of duty was 
too strong to allow him to disobey the orders of his sovereign. He 
bade a tearful farewell to his beloved foster child, and reported at 
once to the King. After receiving his instructions he started for 
his station. History will explain the result of his expedition. * * 
* * Donna Inez requested permission of Ponce de Leon to with- 
draw for a time until she could control her feelings. She sent her 
maid to request him to accept of her hospitality as long as he 
should remain in that part of Spain, After having met his ward, 
Juan Ponce was almost as completely overcome by his emotions 
as the young lady had been when he informed her of the death of 
her foster father. He had made no mention of the request made 
of him by Don Christoval to become the guardian of his ward, nor 
had his will been read; it was sealed in a separate package with a 
request that it sho\ild be opened in the presence of his ward and 
the Count of Camina, who were to share the property equally be- 
tween them. It gave to Donna Inez the title of Coimtess and the 
possession of one of the largest properties in Spain. Ponce de 
Leon retired that night more agitated in mind than he had ever 
been in camp or field, ^^'^lat a position to be placed in ! He was 
aware that a man like him, who had been in active service the 
greater part of his life, was little fitted for such a delicate under- 
taking. The next morning he took a long walk through the forests 
and returned for breakfast, where he met Donna Inez. He re- 
quested her to send for the Count of Camina as soon as convenient. 
She understood at once that the Count was one of the legatees of 
Don Christoval's will from the request written on the package 
handed her by Ponce de Leon. She had been out for a walk when 
she beheld Juan Ponce approaching with that brisk, firm step that 
is habitual to an old campaigner. His walk had done him good. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 13 

His mind had become clear, especially on this matter pertaining to 
the guardianship of Donna Inez. 

As they apjDroached each other he scanned her face closely. 
Strong traces of the grief she had passed through during the 
night was plainly shown by her careworn look. When she extended 
her hand in greeting, it was clasped in his strong grasp, and with 
courtly grace he raised it to his lips. It caused a thrill tcf shoot 
through every nerve in his body; a thrill he never forgot. It was 
only a short interval before the Count of Caniina arrived. This was 
the first intimation of his brother's death he had received. He was 
greatly overcome by the sad intelligence. Juan Ponce then gave 
him the letter requesting him to assume the guardianship of Donna 
Inez, and stating that further information would be found in the 
package of papers addressed to his brother and his ward jointly. 
Juan Ponce requested that, as the papers were of grave importance 
to them all, that they should invite a holy father's attendance and 
others of their friends that could be found close by, and the pack- 
age be opened the next morning in the presence of them all. Juan 
Ponce retired; he wished to give the Count and Countess time to 
confer together and to overcome the shock of the death of their 
kinsman. Ponce de Leon Avanted a chance to analyze his own feel- 
ings ; he did not understand what could disturb his mind to such a 
degree; the fair hand of Donna Inez seemed to constantly appear 
before his vision; what could it mean? To a man like Ponce de 
Leon, that had been used to hardships and dangers all his life, it 
seemed very strange. After a long, brisk walk he returned to the 
castle, where he found* the Count and Donna Inez awaiting him. 
They were anxious to hear a more complete statement concerning 
the death of their only relative. After receiving refreshments, they 
wended their way to the favorite arbor of Donna Inez. Seating 
themselves in its cool shade, Ponce de Leon related the main inci- 
dents of the life of Don Christoval from the time of his arrival in 
Porto Rico until his death at the hands of the treacherous savages 
There had always been the closest friendship between these two 
brave men from their first acquaintance. The relating of his death 
caused De Leon almost as intense grief as it did his own kinsman. 
It was most sorrowful to all three. They bade each other a tearful 
good night and retired, with the understanding that at 10 o'clock 
the next morning the package sent by Don Christoval was to be 
opened and read before the reverend fathers and the rest of their 
friends in the vicinity. 

Juan Ponce went to his room, but could not sleep. The unrest 
that attacked him upon meeting Donna Inez still disturbed him. 
He could not understand his restlessness. He drank a goblet of 



14 Ponce de Leon Land, 

wine and stepped out on the veranda. Lingering there a few mo- 
ments, his thoughts turned to the arbor where he had met the 
Count and Donna Inez. He wandered through the grounds for a 
time — instinctively he was drawn to the arbor. Parting the vines 
he entered, and in the faint light of the moon saw something white 
seated in one of the niches where he had last seen Donna Inez. He 
moved forward to find out what it could be. To his great surprise 
Donna Inez arose with alarm and stood before him ; she recognized 
by his voice who it was. She greeted him kindly, and mutual 
explanations were exchanged as neither of them was inclined for 
sleep after the exciting incidents of the day. Both wandered out 
for fresh air, and both, evidently drawn by the same impulse, were 
attracted to the arbor. When he clasped her extended hand the 
knowledge of what had caused his disquietude and unrest for the 
past few days dawned upon him. It was the great love that had 
sprung up in his heart without warning for his ward. 

He lingered for some time conversing with Donna Inez, giving 
her many of the incidents regarding Don Christoval's death and the 
love that had existed between them. Soon they returned together 
to the castle, when Juan Ponce retired. That night, the remem- 
brance of the tradition he had heard from the Indians, especially 
from the Caribs, came to his mind concerning the fountain of 
youth; should he find this wonderful spring he could renew his 
youth and return to Spain with a reasonable chance of winning the 
love of his ward. To a man who had led a solitary life like Ponce 
de Leon, the thought that he could have a beautiful wife and a 
family to carry his name down to posterity was a lasting one. His 
mind reverted to frequent narratives he had heard from the Indians 
about the fountain of youth to the north of Cuba, If he could only 
find that spring and renew his youth he could return to Spain and 
win the love of his ward. Next morning he met the rest of the 
household at the morning meal, after which they assembled in the 
hall connected with the castle, to hear the reading of the last will 
and testament of Don Christoval de Satomayor. After reciting 
the disposition he wished to be made of his property, that was to 
be divided between his ward and his brother, it was his special 
request that Ponce de Leon should be her guardian. She arose and 
came to Ponce de Leon at once, with her hand outstretched and 
with tears glistening in her eyes, and begged him to accept the 
charge her kind foster father had given him. He asked her to 
accept a seat next to him and told her that before accepting the 
great trust that had been bequeathed to him he wished to make a 
statement of his condition for the special benefit of his ward as well 
as for all concerned. He related his first meeting with Don Chris- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 15 

toval and the history of their lives until his death by the hand of 
Agueybana ; he stated minutely his career from boyhood up to that 
time. He cast his fearless eyes around those assembled, then meet- 
ing the glance of the Countess when a strong emotion took posses- 
sion of his mind ; he turned to the Count of Camina and said : "Sir, 
after hearing the history of my life can you or the Countess Inez 
think for one moment of asking me to become the guardian of this 
young and titled lady?" The Count replied: "Sir, I know of no 
one in Spain to whom I would rather entrust the welfare of the 
Countess than to your brave and generous care. With your per- 
mission, we will leave it to the Countess to decide for herself." 
The Countess arose and stepped to the side of Ponce de Leon and 
said: "Kind sir, if you will accept the charge my loved foster 
father has asked you to take, I shall be blessed indeed, knowing that 
I have a guardian that I can love and respect in every way." Ponce 
de Leon turned and clasped the Countess in a tender embrace, and, 
imprinting a kiss upon her forehead, he replied : "I accept this 
great trust, and may our Lord deal with me as I do with you." In 
after years when he was beset with perils and hardships, this dec- 
laration came back to his mind with strong force. He knew if the 
Lord loved him with as great a love as he did his ward, his salvation 
was assured beyond any question. After settling the affairs of the 
Countess to the best advantage, he asked the Count of Camina if 
he would take care of his ward in case he should be compelled to 
leave Spain again. The remembrance of the tradition he had heard 
from the Indians in Porto Rico came to his mind continually with 
a force he could not subdue. He well knew that he was liable to be 
called on by his King to undertake some perilous voyage at any 
moment. There was one expedition which he was very anxious to 
make, and that was to the northwest of Hispaniola and Porto Rico. 
As the business which they had been called upon to witness 
had been transacted satisfactorily to all, the Countess requested 
them to accompany her to the dining hall, where a repast was pre- 
pared for them. Turning to Ponce de Leon, she said : "I am sure 
my kind guardian will assist me in entertaining my people, for 
which favor I shall feel very grateful." He took her arm and con- 
ducted her to the dining hall, followed by her guests, where they 
were served with a bountiful repast. After the holy father had 
offered prayer for their welfare. Ponce de Leon asked permission to 
make a request of those assembled, which was granted : "Men of the 
house of Satomayor and De Leon, the time may come when I will 
be unable to be with my ward. Will you respond to her call at any 
and all times, whenever asked, both for counsel, protection and 
assistance ?" They all arose and replied : "We will respond at any 



16 Ponce de Leon Land. 

time, whenever the Countess may call upon us." De Leon thanked 
them in behalf of his ward. They seated themselves and proceeded 
to partake of the repast that had been provided by the Countess. 
After the banquet was over they gathered around the Countess and 
asked permission to retire, as the duties for which they had been 
called had been performed. She kindly dismissed them with sub- 
stantial tokens of her regard for them. She went to the library, 
where she found Ponce de Leon and the Count in earnest conversa- 
tion. Do Leon welcomed her and requested her to be seated, and 
said : "My dear lady, you have come here at an opportune moment 
for me to explain the situation in which I am placed. Since my 
arrival at your castle, and especially since the will of your kinsman 
has been read to you, with his request that I should become your 
guardian; within the last few hours, in fact, I have realized how 
unsuited I am for the position which I have accepted, and for which 
I am totally unqualified. If you will look back to the history of 
my life, which I recited to you and the Count, you will see how 
unfitted I am to have the guidance and control of a lady of your 
rank and station. Until I came here I never thought for a moment 
that I could care for a home life. Understand, I have been most 
of my life in the service of my King and country, where I have 
had more hardship than pleasure; here the thoughts of a homo 
entered my mind for the first time. While stationed in Porto Eico 
I frequently met some of the chiefs of the Caribs, who told me of 
a wonderful spring of pure water that existed in a country to the 
northward of theirs, whose marvelous virtue when drunk and 
bathed in would restore health and youth to all who could use its 
salutary water. Dearest Inez, if this spring exists I will find it, or 
lose my life in the attempt." 

"Dear sir, you have done enough for your country. For the 
present remain "here and do something for your people and mine. 
They need the care and guidance of a firm and intelligent man. 
Give up this idea of searching for this fabulous fountain, the exist- 
ence of which rests on the report of the wild savages of the Western 
Hemisphere." 

"My dear Countess, what can I say? My mind is in a chaos. 
Permit me to retire until morning, by which time I hope to unravel 
this great problem placed before me." Bidding each other good- 
night, they retired to their respective rooms. Ponce de Leon could 
not think calmly over his situation, so he started out for a walk in 
the open air. After a half hour's rapid walk, he returned to his 
room. The great bodily exertion had cleared his mind. He took a 
strong pull at the brandy flask and turned his attention to the situa- 
tion in which he was placed, and to determine what he should do. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 17 

It was a difficult problem which faced him. There were two 
questions to solve. What was he to do about the young lady much 
younger than himself, and with whom, to his surprise, he found 
that he was madly in love. How could he, in honor, ask her to 
marry him? Did she care for him? Could he seek her hand 
under the conditions that existed at the time ? No, it would be dis- 
honorable in him as her guardian, and an injustice to the Countess. 
Then the great, strong love of his heart came before him. What 
should he do ? His thought returned to the tradition of the Indians. 
He came to the conclusion that he would go to Hispaniola and fit 
out an expedition for the exploration of the northwest country; 
the position he had canvassed very carefully while he was Governor 
of Porto Eico. He examined the notes he had made while in Porto 
Eico, and went over them with great care. He considered them 
with great attention in all their bearings. It only served to 
strengthen his resolution to fit out an expedition for the exploration 
of that wonderful country of which he had received such a varied 
account from the Indians. Could he find this fountain and drink 
of its rejuvenating waters, he could return to Spain and claim for 
his bride one of the fairest and noblest in all the land. The reward 
was too great to demand much deliberation from a man of Ponce de 
Leon's intrepid character. The chance of finding this fountain was 
too great to be relinquished. He acquainted the Count of Camina 
with his design and requested him to look after the affairs of the 
Countess during his absence, and also after his own, which were of 
great importance. He hardly knew how much wealth he had accu- 
mulated until he looked over his papers to arrange for the disposal 
of his property in the event of his failing to return. 

After setting aside the amount that he deemed would be re- 
quired for the expedition and for the purchase of additional vessels, 
equipments, and stores to maintain them in service for a long time, 
he found a balance remaining which gave him infinite satisfaction. 
He could leave a sum to his ward that more than equalled her own. 
This thought gave him great pleasure. The thought that if he 
failed in his venture and should never return, the Countess would 
see by the date of his will that his last moments in Spain were de- 
voted to her welfare. 

It was near morning when Ponce de Leon finished his labor. 
He was weary, and cast himself upon a couch and slept as men 
can only sleep who are used to the camp and bivouac. At 8 o'clock 
he awoke with a bright and clear conception of what he had done 
during the preceding night and of what he was to do that morning. 
He looked over his papers carefully and corrected whatever errors 
he found in them. The strain on his mind and bodv had l)een a 



18 Ponce de Leon Land. 

heavy one; the page brought him a cup of coffee and some bread; 
his candle was still burning; he took a bottle of brandy and turned 
a generous quantity into the cup and burned it down to the quan- 
tity that he wished, turned it into the coffee and drank it, a tonic 
he had found in his long experience in the field to have the best 
effects to restore vigor and vitality after a long vigil or exposure. 
He then went down to breakfast. 

He found the Countess seated at the board. She greeted him 
with a warmth that pleased him very much, and seated him at her 
right, the place of honor. The Count and the rest of the members 
of the household assembled around the board and the meal was 
soon di-spatched. The Countess requested Ponce de Leon and the 
Count of Camina to meet her in the hall at 11 o'clock, to which they 
assented at once. The Count went to his room a few moments 
later and Juan Ponce started out for a walk, which he had always 
found to have a soothing influence upon his mind when greatly dis- 
turbed. They arrived in the hall nearly at the same time, and 
Juan Ponce saluted the Co ntess with great respect and devotion. 

When they were all assembled, Ponce de Leon stated the decis- 
ion he had arrived at during the night. He recited the peculiar 
circumstances that had connected him with the noble family of 
Satomayor, and of the new aspirations that had entered his heart. 
Since his arrival in Spain it was the first glimpse of home life he 
had seen since his boyhood. He asked the Count to take charge of 
the a fairs of his kinswoman, as well as his own, during his absence. 
In the event of his not returning, he was to be administrator for the 
tAvo estates. 

"The papers pertaining to the Countess will be left open; she 
can have access to them at any time. Also a part of my own papers. 
The remainder, when completed, will be sealed until my return or 
until my death. Dear sir, will you accept this great trust I request 
of you?" 

The Count replied: "I will, and may the Lord guide me in 
carrving out vour wishes, both as to my kinswoman and to your- 
self.'' 

Ponce de Leon turned to the Countess with a courtly bow. 
"Noble lady, I trust you will never have cause to regret the kindness 
you have bestowed upon a wanderer. If fate so wills, I shall return 
to you in a position to ask a great favor of you, which I cannot ask 
at the present time. I hope you will grant it, if your heart so 
wills, as freely and earnestly as I ask it. Trust me, dear lady; 
it will be the mainspring of my existence to return to Spain and 
to you with a name that you will be proud of. If not, I will leave 
my bones to bleach in a western wilderness." 



Ponce de Leon Land. 19 

"Dear sir, let me dissuade you from this undertaking. You 
have had more than your share of the hardships of this life. Re- 
main here with us. We will try to compensate you for what you 
have been denied in your former life." 

"No, dear lady," said Juan Ponce, "I cannot remain. The 
prize is too great for me to forego the chance of winning it. I have 
communicated with the King about the exploration of this un- 
known country. He requested me to report to him tomorrow for 
instructions and orders. A fleet is to sail from Spain in a few days. 
I shall go with it. My fleet will refit at the port of St. German, 
Porto Rico. My people that remain here will be at your command 
for any service you may require of them. I will leave full instruc- 
tions with the Count for your care and the care of my affairs. Any 
advice you may desire will be willingly given you by him. Dear 
Inez, believe me, I have not been unmindful of your interests and 
welfare. I trust you will be thankful for it some day. With your 
permission I will retire and arrange my affairs for my departure. 
I will be at your service as soon as they are completed." 

"Retire, noble sir, and examine this matter with care and dis- 
cretion, and may the Lord guide you in your decision." 

Ponce de Leon retired and went over his papers carefully, mak- 
ing the necessary corrections and alterations. About 2 o'clock in 
the morning a courier arrived at the castle with a dispatch from 
the King, ordering him to report to him at once. He wrote a note 
to the Countess, explaining the cause of his departure, and that he 
would return as soon as the business for which he was called was 
transacted. He started at once for Valladolid, where the King was 
holding court at that time. Upon his arrival he reported to the 
King. Together they went over the plans of his expedition care- 
fully. He gave him the history of the reports he had received from 
the different tribes of Indians in the West, and an especial account 
of the report he had received from the Caribs. The King gave 
him the necessary instructions, and stated what part of the expense 
would be borne by the crown. "Sir, I can give you but little in- 
struction in this matter. I have full confidence in your experience. 
You will have to rely on your own judgment and discretion, to a 
great extent. Send me a full report of your progress whenever 
you have an opportunity. May you be successful is the wish of 
your sovereign." 

Ponce de Leon received his final order and letters of instruc- 
tion ; also the date of the departure of the fleet. He found he had 
but a limited time to make his final preparations; he also needed 
rest and sleep. He went to a quiet hostelry, where he obtained 
both. After a long, refreshing slumber, he awoke, much invig- 



20 PoxcE DE Leon Land. 

orated. After partaking of a hearty repast, he mounted liis horse 
and started back to Castle Satomayor. 

He arrived on the second day. The Countess had evidently 
been looking for him. She advanced to meet him before he dis- 
liiounted. She was very anxious to know the result of his mission. 
He gave the Count and Countess a full description of the route he 
proposed to take, the number of vessels and men that were to com- 
pose the expedition, and the amount of assistance to be furnished 
by the government. 

"Dear Lady: Will you meet me in the arbor this evening? I 
have some important information to impart to you that I wish no 
one else to hear." 

"I will with pleasure." 

Ponce de Leon retired to his room and completed his papers, 
giving full instructions to the Count for the care and disposal of his 
j)roperty in case he should fail to realize his expectations in his 
undertaking. He came to the conclusion that he ought to inform 
the Countess just what aspirations had entered into his mind since 
his arrival in Spain, and of the great love for her that had sprung 
into his heart. His great expectation was in the discovery of the 
fountain of youth. The\ savages were a peculiar people in their tra- 
ditions, and it would not be transmitted throughout the whole 
country without strong foundation. It would be the greatest effort 
of his life to find it. 

In the evening he met the Countess in the arbor, as appointed 
by them. 

"Dear Countess, to-morrow I shall leave you. I have settled 
your business the' best I could for your benefit and have left instruc- 
tions for your welfare. Dear Inez, since I came here I have learned 
that I love you with all my heart; with a love that cannot be esti- 
mated except by yourself ; you are the mainspring which will govern 
my actions in this undertaking. If I am successful can I return to 
Spain and win your love and claim your hand?" 

"My love you have had from our first meeting; my hand you 
can have whenever you wish it. Give me the right to accompany 
you. I trust you will never regret having the care and advice of a 
true and loving wife to assist you in this expedition. I will give you 
the assistance that a true woman's love can give. Think this mat- 
ter over carefully before yovi make your decision." 

Ponce de Leon clasped the Countess in his arms and pressed a 
kiss upon her lips. 

"Dearest Inez, you will never know what a terrible pang it 
gives me to part with you. Sometime hence you may know. Ke- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 21 

member it is with the intent of a great benefit to lis. Will you trust 
me fully in this undertaking?" 

"Yes," said the Countess, "and may our Heavenly Father 
prosper your undertaking. If you return you will find Inez, 
Countess de Satomayor, with the same true love for you which now 
possesses her heart. Make this our expedition, not yours alone. It 
is for the benefit of our King and country and more especially for 
ourselves. I must not detain you longer. You must have a plenty 
to do to arrange your business for your departure. Meet me in the 
garden where we can give our last adios with no other to witness 
it." 

"Adios ! my dearest Inez ; may God in His infinite mercy bless 
and protect you." 

Ponce de Leon went to the Count's room and gave him his 
papers and instructions as to what he wished him to do. 

"Count, I leave to your care all that I have in this world ex- 
cept what I take with me. In the event of my death you are my sole 
executor. I have not forgotten the kindness you have shown me ! 
it will not be unrewarded; the love and respect of Juan Ponce de 
Leon will always be yours. Adios!" 

Juan Ponce returned to his room and retired. He had a 
refreshing sleep, which was of great benefit to a man in his condi- 
tion. He took an early and substantial repast. He repaired to the 
garden, where he found the Countess waiting to receive him. She 
again renewed her entreaties to him tO abandon his expedition. 
"For our welfare, for the love that you are assured of, stay here. 
Our interests are one, do not leave me alone, my heart has gone out 
to you ; let me show you with how great a love. I will prove to you 
that Inez, Countess de Satomayor is worthy of the cavalier she has 
bestowed her love upon." 

"Dear Inez, when I leave you, it will be for our benefit. It is 
the great love I bear you that bids me go. What greater devotion 
to you can I show than by carrying out this exploration contem- 
plated in this expedition ? If I return to you successful, it will be 
with an honor that no other man has ever achieved. With the ex- 
perience of age and with the vigor of youth, dearest Inez, is not this 
a result that we should work for? Bid me God speed and pray for 
our success." 

"Go, and may the blessing of our Lord attend and protect you 
in danger, in sickness and health, and return you to me, to guide 
and comfort me in years to come. Go, then, if you so will it, and the 
prayers of Inez de Satomayor shall accompany you. both for your 
success and for your safe return to me. Accept this kiss and with it 



22 Ponce de Leon Land. 

the true love of my heart. May the good Lord bring you back to 
me. So you return I will be thankful. God bless and protect you 
is the wish of Inez. Adios !" 



CHAPTER VII. 



PONCE DE LEON started for the port the fleet was to sail from. 
On arriving he found a large number of his followers ready 
and anxious to accompany him. He made the necessary 
arrangements and set sail the next morning. They made a very 
quick voyage and arrived at their first destination without delay. 
He fitted out his fleet for the exploration of the country to the 
northward of that colony. On the 3d of March, 1512, Ponce de 
Leon sailed from Porto Eico with three ships. Keeping a north- 
ward course, he fell in with the Bahama group of islands. He was 
favored with good weather and fair wind. On the 14th of the 
month he arrived at Guanahani or St. Salvador, where Columbus 
first put his foot on the shore of the New World. 

After making diligent search for the fountain described by the 
Caribbees, he failed to find it, but was in no way discouraged. 
After some slight repairs to his fleet he put to sea. On the 27th of 
March he came in sight of land, but could not reach the shore on 
account of the heavy sea. The whole country was covered with 
flowers, from which circumstance, as well as having discovered it 
on Palm Sunday, he gave it the name of Pascua Florida, the Indian 
name was Cautio. 

Ponce de Leon landed and took possession of the country for 
his king. He extended his exploration to a great distance, exam- 
ining every spring and stream, for the fountain of youth which was 
the great object of his search. Disheartened by the perils which had 
beset him, he gave up the quest to Captain Juan Perez de Ortrubia 
and sailed back to Porto Eico. If he had not found the fountain of 
youth he had discovered a new country, which would always be an 
honor to his name. He returned to Spain and reported the result 
of his expedition to the King, who received him with great favor, 
and appointed him Adalantado of Bimini and Florida, with au- 
thority to recruit men in Spain or the colonies for a settlement in 
Florida. It took him some time to perfect his plans. 

The Caribbees made several attacks on the island, taking many 
prisoners who were killed and devoured by them. So frequent were 
these attacks that the Spaniards feared they would have to abandon 
the islands. Whenever Ponce de Leon found time he visited his 



Ponce de Leon Land. 23 

ward. She used every persuasion in her power to dissuade him from 
undertaking farther explorations. "You have done your share of 
work for our King and country, do something for me; remain here 
with us; we need your care and protection. Will not the love that 
I have given you dissuade you from attempting another expedition ? 
You have already expended a large amount of money for your 
former expeditions. Stay here with me; I will try to compensate 
you for all you will lose in such a dangerous undertaking. Here on 
my bended knees I beseech you not to leave me again." 

Ponce de Leon replied : "Dear one, it is the great love that I 
bear for j^ou that compels me to accept the command of this expedi- 
tion, which has been specially requested of me by the King. There 
have been three ships fitted out, well armed and manned to chastise 
and subdue the Caribs. I know more about them than any one in 
Spain. The King relies upon my knowledge and experience to sub- 
due and stop their depredations. Can I refuse his request? AVlien 
I have complied with this order I will ask to be retired from active 
service. I will not leave you again; I will devote my time to you 
and to the welfare of our people. This I pledge you will be the last 
time I will leave Spain. 

"Dear Inez, this fountain of youth I am confident exists, it is 
one of my highest aspirations to find it. Can I but return to you 
a youth in strength and vigor, with the knowledge and experience 
that no other man possesses. Dear heart, is not this a prize we 
should both seek for ? 

"The King has fitted out this armada and assigned me to com- 
mand it. Can I refuse to accept it ? No, dear Inez, you will be the 
last one to request it; let me obey this order, whether I return or 
not. It is my duty to my King, and more especially to you, whom I 
love and honor above all else in this world. Bid me God-speed 
with your prayer daily at sunrise. I can turn to the East at that 
moment and know that there is one loving heart praying for our 
welfare and for my safe return. The King is aware of my expe. 
rience in Indian warfare, and has requested me to subdue the Car- 
ribbees and also the Indians in Florida. Then I am to return to 
Porto Rico and superintend the repartimientos or distribution of 
the Indians, and the government of that island, assisted by a com- 
mission appointed by Don Diego Columbus. Dear Inez, this is a 
duty which I am thoroughly conversant with. I know the Indians 
and their habits and mode of warfare. Who in Spain to-day is more 
fitted to take command of this undertaking than myself? Our 
King requests it ; I will not refuse. 

"Adios, dear one; may the blessing of our Lord be with you 
forever. One more kiss, and now adios." 



24 PoxcE DE Leon Land. 



CHAPTER VIIL 

POXCE DE LEON sailed in January, 1515, directing his course 
for the Caribbees country, with the intention of subduing all 
the Indians of that tribe. Arriving at one of the islands, he 
cast anchor and made a detail of men to go on shore to get wood 
and water, and women to wash clothing for the command, with a 
detachment of troops for their protection. The officer in charge of 
the party was evidently careless, and allowed his people to scatter. 
The Indians were ambushed, waiting for a favorable opportunity 
for an attack, when they were dispersed in a manner, so that it was 
impossible to concentrate to repel them. They rushed forth from 
their concealment and killed most of the men, and captured the 
women and carried them to the mountains. 

This was a very heavy blow to Ponce de Leon, and depressed 
him very much. He returned to Porto Eico and relinquished any 
further attempt to punish or subdue the Caribbees. His health 
having become very much impaired by overwork and exposure, he 
gave the command of the fleet to Captain Zuniga. He remained 
in Porto Eico some time. 

Hearing of the brilliant exploits of Cortez, he came to the con- 
clusion that Florida was a field which would equal and eclipse any 
of the previous discoveries heretofore made, even to the famed con- 
quest of Mexico. 



CHAPTEE IX. 



Ilast voyage of discovery and exploration. He had found that 
ISr 1521 Ponce de Leon fitted out two ships and embarked on his 
the land he had discovered was main land instead of an island, 
as he had previously supposed. His voyage was tempestuous, but he 
arrived safely. He landed with a strong detachment of troops and 
explored the country for some distance. They were attacked by a 
large party of Indians and driven back to their landing place. 
Ponce de Leon formed his men and made a determined charge upon 
them, which broke their attack completely. W^iile reforming his 
men a concealed savage fired an arrow into his thigh close to the 
femoral artery. He was carried on board his ship and ordered them 
to return to Cuba ; the arrow had been broken in the bone and the 
surgeon was unable to extract it. Soon after arriving in Cuba he 



Ponce de Leon Land. 35 

died and was buried with great military honors. He left a pack- 
age of papers with his senior captain directed to Countess de Sato- 
mayor, and one directed to the Count Camina, whom he had ap- 
pointed his executor, both of his own and the Countess' estates. 

In the package sent to the Countess he gave full instructions 
as to his wishes in regard to his own property, which was to be given 
to the Countess entire, except a few legacies that were given to his 
faithful survitors and a large one to the count. Thus ended the 
career of one of Spain's most gallant and faithful cavaliers. 

The following epitaph was inscribed upon his tomb : 

"In this sepulchre rests the hones of a man who luas a lion by 
nam'e and still more hy nature." 

The Countess mourned the death of her gallant lover for sev- 
eral years. She never forgot the remark made by him at their part- 
ing, that he would find the fountain of youth or leave his bones to 
bleach in a Western wilderness. 

Some years after his death the Countess met with one of 
Spain's best and most respected noblemen, who gained her love and 
to whom she was happily married. 

The fountain of youth was the chief object of Ponce de Leon's 
explorations in this country. It is too evident for comment. That 
a tale so fabulous should gain credit among simple, uninstructed 
Indians is not surprising ; that it should make an impression upon 
an enlightened people appears in the present age altogether incredi- 
ble. The fflct, however, is certain, and the most authentic Spanish 
historians mention this extravagant sally of their credulous coun- 
tryman. 

Martyr affirms in his address to the Pope, "That among the 
islands on the north side of Hispaniola there is one about 325 
leagues distant in which is a spring of running water of such mar- 
velous virtue that the Avater thereof being drunk, perhaps with some 
diet, maketh, tho' old, young again ; and here I must protest to your 
Holiness not to think this be said lightly or rashly, for they have 
so spread this rumor for a truth through all the court, that not only 
all the people, but many of those whom wisdom and fortune have 
divided from the common lot, think it to be true." 

We must remember the Spaniards at that time were engaged 
in a career of activity which gave a romantic turn to their imagina- 
tion, and daily presented to them strong and marvelous objects. 
A new world was opened to their view ; they visited islands and con- 
tinents of whose existence mankind in former years had no concep- 
tion. In this delightful country nature seemed to assume another 
form. Every tree, plant and animal was diiferent from those of 



26 Ponce de Leon Land. 

the ancient hemisphere; they seemed to be transplanted into en- 
chanted ground. After the wonders which they had seen, nothing 
in the warmth and novelty of their admiration appeared to them 
so extraordinary as to be beyond belief. If the rapid succession of 
new and striking scenes could make such an impression, even upon 
the sound understanding of Columbus, that he boasted of having 
found the seat of paradise, will it appear strange that Ponce de 
Leon should dream of discovering the fountain of youth? 



CHAPTER X. 



ON the 12th day of April, 1528, Panfilo Narvaez sailed from St. 
Jago de Cuba with four hundred men and forty horses. Land- 
ing near Charlotte Harbor, he took possession of the country 
in the name of the King of Spain, and promulgated in the Spanish 
language to the inhabitants of the country in the name of the King 
of Spain this proclamation : 

"I, Panfilo de Narvaez, cause to be known to you how 
God created the world and charged St. Peter to be the sov- 
ereign of all men, in whatever country they might be born. 
God gave him the whole world for his inheritance. One of 
his successors made it a gift to the King and Queen of Spain; so 
that the Indians are their subjects. You will be compelled to ac- 
cept Christianity. If you refuse and delay agreeing to what I have 
proposed to you, I will march against you; I will make war upon 
you from all sides ; I will subject you to obedience to the church and 
His Majesty; I will obtain possession of your wives and children; 
I will reduce you to slavery. I notify you that neither His Majesty 
nor myself, nor the gentlemen who accompany me, will be the cause 
of this, but yourselves only." 

While resting at a village near Tampa, Narvaez was shown some 
wooden burial cases containing the remains of chiefs, and orna- 
mented with deer skins elaborately painted and adorned with sprigs 
of gold. Learning that the gold came from farther north, at a 
place called Apalachee, Narvaez immediately ordered his men to 
march thither. With more judgment or prophetic wisdom his 
treasurer, Cabaca de Yaca, endeavored in vain to dissuade him. 
Having distributed a small quantity of biscuit and pork as rations, 
he set out on the first of May with three hundred men and forty 
horses. They marched through a desolate country, crossing one 
large river, encountering only one settlement of Indians, until the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 27 

17th of June, when they fell in with a settlement where they were 
well received and supplied with corn and venison. The Spaniards, 
learning that this tribe were enemies of the Apalachians, exchanged 
presents, and obtained guides to direct them to the Apalachian set- 
tlement. This they reached on the 25th, after a fatiguing march 
through swamps and marshes, and at once attacked the inhabitants 
without a word of warning, and put them all to the sword. The 
town consisted of comfortable houses, well stocked with corn, skins 
and garments made from bark cloth. 

ISTot finding the wealth he had expected, and being subject to 
the repeated attacks of the Indians, Narvaez, after a month's rest 
at Apalachee, divided his command into three companies, and or- 
dered them to scour the country. These companies returned after 
an unsuccessful search for gold and food. The Spaniards continued 
their march toward the north and west, carrying with them, in 
chains, the Indian chiefs captured at Apalachee. This plan of 
securing the chiefs of an Indian nation or tribe and forcing them 
to march with the troops as guides and hostages, seems to have 
been adopted by each of the Spanish commanders, and always with 
disastrous results. The sight of an Indian chief in chains aroused 
a feeling of outraged friendship whereve* they passed, and gave a 
premonition of the servile fate that would be assigned to their race 
whenever the Spaniards obtained dominion. These captives urged 
on the Indians to harass and persistently follow up the marching 
army, even influencing tribes that were inimical to themselves. 

The march of Narvaez through the western part of Florida 
continued until fall, with an unvarying succession of attacks and 
skirmishes at every halt, and often pitched battles at the towns that 
lay in his path. Little progress was made on their journey, owing 
to the uncertainty of their course, the unproductive and difficult 
nature of the country, and the unremitting attacks and obstacles 
opposed by the wily Indians, who were ever on the watch to pick 
off man or beast, and to prevent the collection of supplies. 

Disheartened at the continued losses sustained by his army, and 
despairing of ever reaching by land the Spanish settlement in Mex- 
ico, iSTarvaez, having reached the bank of a large river, determined to 
follow it to its mouth and take to the sea. Slowly they moved down 
the river, and arrived at its mouth in a sadly distressed condition. 
Despair lent them an energy that was fanned to a burning zeal by 
the hopes of being able to reach their friends and salvation on the 
shore of the same water before their view. A smith in their party 
declared that he could build a forge, and with bellows made of hides 
and the charcoal they could supply abundantly, he could forge from 



28 Ponce de Leon Land. 

their swords and accoutrements bolts and nails for building a boat. 
Diligently they worked, incited by the memories of all their hard- 
ships and perils, and the joyous hope of safe delivery. Such was 
their energy and determination that in six weeks they constructed 
from the material at hand five large boats, capable of holding fifty 
men each. For cordage they twisted ropes from the manes and 
tails of their horses, together with the fibre of plants. Their sails 
were made from their clothing, and from the hides of their horses 
they made sacks to hold water. With these frail and clumsily- 
constructed crafts, open boats loaded almost to the water's edge, 
without a navigator in the party, or provisions for a week, this 
little army of desperate men set out on the open sea, N"arvaez com- 
manding one l)oat ; the others were under the command of his cap- 
tains, one of whom, Cabaca de Vaca, has preserved to us the ac- 
count of this fatal expedition. 

De Vaca gives a long account of their voyage, and the hard- 
ships and misfortunes they imderwent until they were all ship- 
wrecked. Out of two hundred and forty who started on the return 
only fifteen were alive. Narvaez himself was blown off from shore 
while almost alone in his boat, and never again heard of. Only 
four are known certainly to have been saved, Cabaca de Vaca. the 
treasurer of the expedition. Captain Alonz Castillo, Captain Andrew 
Orantes, a negro or Turk named Estevanico. 

Cabaca de Vaca and his companions for nearly six years pur- 
sued their Journey among the Indians. During all this long period 
they never abandoned their hope and desire of reaching Mexico. 
Finally, after many strange adventures, de Vaca arrived at the 
Spanish settlement in Mexico, and was received by his countrymen 
Avith the greatest consideration and rejoicing. 

Having been sent over to Spain, he presented to the crown a 
narrative of the unfortunate expedition of Xarvaez, representing 
that the country contained great wealth, that he alone was able to 
secure, and begging that he be made Governor. In this he was dis- 
appointed, however, but placated by the government of LaPlatte, in 
South America. 

The narrative of De Vaca has been received by historians and 
antiquarians as in the main veracious, though describing some 
wonderful customs and peoples, it is the earliest account of Florida 
which we possess, having been published in 1555, and is of inestima- 
ble value. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 29 



CHAPTER XL 

MISLED b}^ the fabulous stories told of the wealth of Florida, 
and by the still more deceptive account of De Vaca, and 
having before their eyes continually the immense treasures 
actually secured in Peru and Mexico, the Spaniards were satisfied 
that it only needed a force sufficiently large and ably commanded to 
secure to the conquerors even greater treasures in their northern 
possessions. They were, moreover, convinced that the Indian tribes 
would not defend, with such persistent valor and great sacrifice, a 
worthless country, when the incalculable wealth of the Aztec had 
been so feebly defended. 

At this favorable moment there appeared at court a man who 
was acknowledged to be eminently qualified to inspire confidence 
in any undertaking he might enter upon. No knight stood higher 
in the esteem of his sovereign or enjoyed greater popularity with 
the cavaliers than Hernando de Soto. Born of a good family in 
the northern part of Spain, he had early entered the service of 
D'Avalas, the Governor of the West Indies, by whom he was put in 
command of a detachment sent to Peru to reinforce Pizarro. Here 
he exhibited a remarkable capacity and soon rose to be second in 
command. Having gained a valuable experience and a splendid 
reputation in the conquest of Peru, he was induced by Pizarro to 
seek pleasure or glory in another field, lest his own achievements 
should be rivaled by those of his lieutenant. A million and a half 
dollars was the sum which he received on relinquishing the field. 
This, in those days, princely fortune was but a small portion of the 
exorbitant ransom paid by the captured Incas. 

Eeturning to Spain, his wealth and achievements seem to have 
excited genuine admiration, rather than envy, and he at once be- 
came the favorite of the court. His martial spirit craved adven- 
tures, and he could not remain content with the dullness of court 
life. He therefore petitioned the King to be allowed to fit out an 
expedition to occupy and settle the Spanish northern possessions. 
The country at that time designated as Florida extending from 
the Chesapeake Bay to Mexico, and, as was thought, embraced the 
richest portion of the world, full of all good things. De Soto's 
request having been granted, he was at once commissioned Adelan- 
tado and Marquis of Florida. A fleet of seven ships and three cut- 
ters was at once purchased, armed and equipped for the expedition, 
and, as it was De Soto's intention to colonize the country, much 
attention was given to pro\ide a supply of such seeds as were desir- 



30 Ponce de Leon Land. 

able to introduce. It is possible that some of the seeds scattered by 
the followers of De Soto may to-day be reproducing themselves in 
Florida. 

The origin of the wild horses in America has also been assigned 
to the Spanish introduction at that time. So great was the desire 
to accompany De Soto, and so certain seemed the rich recompense 
of wealth and honor to be achieved under such a leader, that the 
complement of a thousand men was recruited with ease; of this 
number more than three hundred were gentlemen of rank — knights 
and hidalgoes of the best blood of Spain — who lavished their 
means in the purchase of arms and equipments, thinking that with 
these they would procure wealth in plenty. With this brilliant 
corps there were twelve priests to minister to the spiritual welfare of 
the Spaniards or Indians, or both. 

Leaving Spain in the Spring, the fleet proceeded as far as Cuba, 
where it was delayed awhile in completing arrangements. Here 
De Soto married the lady Isabella, a sister of the famous Bovadilla. 
The enjoyment of the society of his new wife, however, could not 
detain him from pursuit of honor. In May, 1539, he left Cuba, 
and landed in Florida on Whit Sunday in the same month. The 
bay in which they landed, now called Tampa Bay, was named by 
them "Espiritu Santo," in honor of the day on which they arrived. 
A detailed account of the march of De Soto would be too long for a 
work like this. Soon after beginning the march northward the 
advance guard of the Spaniard fell in with a body of Indians, who 
advanced, apparently, to oppose them. The Spanish captain, 
thinking it was an assault, ordered a charge, when, greatly to their 
surprise^, they heard the Spanish tongue in a tone of supplication 
not to kill one of their own countrymen. The speaker proved to 
be the captize Ortiz, before mentioned. Having acquired a knowl- 
edge of the Indians and their language, he was a great acquisition 
to the command, although unable, from restricted confinement, to 
give satisfactory reply to the first question asked him by his country- 
man, "Where is there any gold to be found?" By the advice of 
Ortiz, or from motives of policy, De Soto pursued a pacific policy 
at first, and met with friendly treatment and generous supplies of 
provisions at the various Indian towns. The Indians at that time 
seemed to have paid considerable attention to agriculture, and to 
have lived in towns that were rudely fortified, and built with very 
considerable dwelling houses and barns. Some of the houses of 
the chiefs are described as more than an hundred feet long, contain- 
ing many rooms and set upon artificial mounds. They were built 
of palings sometimes plastered with clay and covered with thatch. 



Ponce de Leon Land, ' 31 

At nearly every town the Spaniards found provisions stored, con- 
sisting of walnuts, dried grapes, beans, millet and corn, besides 
growing vegetables, among which are mentioned beets. Some of 
the towns must have been very large, as many as six thousand inhab- 
itants dwelling in and around several mentioned. At one town 
called Mabilla the baggage and valuables of the Spaniards were 
carried within the palisades by the Indians forced to transport 
them. Then an attack was made upon the town and twenty-five 
hundred of the savages were slain. The chief and a company of 
natives to transport the baggage were seized at every town, unless 
packmen were voluntarily secured. After marching a short dis- 
tance away from their homes, the women were allowed their free- 
dom, but the men were led by chains attached to a Spanish soldier. 
Arriving at another town, these bondsmen were released and new 
captives taken, to be, in turn, exchanged further on. In this man- 
ner did De Soto march through what is Florida, thence in a north- 
erly direction through Georgia into South Carolina, thence back to 
the vicinity of Pensacola. 

While in South Carolina De Soto fell in with an intelligent 
race of Indians, whose sovereign was a woman. Here he secured a 
large store of pearls, nearly three hundred pounds, some of which 
were said to be worth their weight in gold. These, however, were 
all lost, together with the other valuables and baggage, in the burn- 
ing of the town of Mabilla. 

Trusting to the disingenuous tales of the Indians, and ever 
led on by his overweening faith in the existence of vast stores of 
gold, De Soto had marched on and ever further on, until, consuming 
a year's time, he had made a complete circuit of the country, and 
found himself empty-handed within six days' march of Pensacola, 
then called Ochus. Here he had ordered his lieutenant, Maldo- 
nado, to await his arrival with the ships he had sent back to Cuba 
for a supply of provisions and mining tools. 

De Soto at this time exhibited that masterly force of character 
which had secured his former success and his great influence. Un- 
willing to endure the disgrace that would attach to an unsuccessful 
issue of the expedition — a disaster which, with the unfortunate 
results of former expeditions, he feared would preclude any further 
attempts to settle the Spanish domains in Florida^-he resolved to 
conceal from his followers their location and the nearness of the 
fleet, lest, being disheartened by their want of success and worse 
than uncertain prospect of the future, they would refuse to con- 
tinue on, and, taking possession of the ship, set sail for the West 
Indies. He therefore forbade Ortiz to mention to the troops the 



32 Ponce de Leon Land. 

arrival of Maldonaclo, which had been learned from the Indians. 
Recruiting his men and horses by a short rest, he marched on again 
into the unknown wilderness, and turned his back upon home, 
friends, and all that makes life worth living. Still searching for 
gold, he marched from region to region, ever meeting and overcom- 
ing difficulties and opposition, and yet unsuccessful. He pro- 
ceeded as high as the Cumberland river, then, turning west, crossed 
the Mississippi, and reached the Eed river. In that region the 
Spaniards wintered, and in the spring De Soto retraced his steps 
to the Mississippi, having determined to reach the mouth of that 
river, from whence he could send to Mexico and Cuba for further 
supplies. The disappointment and mortification which his gallant 
nature had so long opjDosed was eating like a cancer into his heart, 
and, unsustained by a hope which in other circumstances would 
have thrown off disease, his body at last gave way to fatigue and 
malaria, and he began to sink under a wasting fever. Deep despond- 
ency settled down upon him as he thought of home, his young wife 
and all the comforts and prospects he had put so far from his 
reach. Calling his followers about him, he thanked them for their 
courage and devotion, and besought them to accept of his appoint- 
ment of a successor to lead them after his death, which he assured 
them was near at hand. His followers tried to afford him the reg- 
ulation comfort usual at such times, depicting this life as so full 
of misery that he was most happy who was soonest relieved of its 
burdens. They finally received from him the appointment of Louis 
Moscoza as their captain. 

Shortly after, on the 21st day of May, 1542, died that chival- 
rous knight, Don Hernando de Soto, Governor of Cuba and Ade- 
lantade of Florida, far from his native land, in the wilderness on 
the bank of the great Father of Waters, whose vast and turbid flow 
ever recalls his great name and deeds, and whose discovery has 
proved his most enduring remembrance. 

Desirous of impressing the Indians with the supernatural 
origin of De Soto, his followers declared that his father, the Son 
of God, had taken him to Himself, and lest their deception should 
be manifest by the sight of his dead body, the corpse was placed in 
a canoe, and in the night consigned to the waters of the mighty 
river. 

Immediately after the death of De Soto the Spaniards began 
to build boats and collect provisions in preparation for their long 
voyage. They continued thus employed until the annual floods had 
subsided, when they descended to the Gulf. Though continuously 
receiving attacks from the Indians, they at last reached the Spanish 



Ponce de Leon Land. 33 

settlement of Parnuco, in Mexico. Here they were received with 
joy and every kindness proffered them. Three hundred and eleven 
men kneeled before the altar in thanksgiving to God for their de- 
liverance from those distresses and perils which had swept away 
more than two-thirds of the gallant army that four years before had 
landed in Florida — an army that had overrun a country containing 
thousands of brave inhabitants, subsisted for more than three years 
on the country through which it passed, ever maintained the unity 
of its command and devotion to its valorous leader while he lived 
and executed his wishes after his death. 



CHAPTEE XIL 



THE settlement of Florida originated in the religious troubles 
experienced by the Huguenots under Charles the Ninth of 
France. Admiral Coligny, as early as 1555, projected colonies 
in America, and sent an expedition to Brazil, which proved unsuc- 
cessful. Having procured permission from Charles the Ninth to 
found a, colony in Florida, a designation which embraced in a 
rather indefinite manner the whole country from the Chesapeake 
to the Tortugas, he sent an expedition in 1562 from France, under 
the command of Jean Eibault, composed of many young men of 
good families. The little Huguenot fleet touched first the harbor 
of St. Augustine, in Florida. Making their way along the coast 
they discovered Port Eoyal. They were charmed with the beauty 
of the scene, and chose this spot for their future home, and built 
a small fort, which they named Carolina, in honor of their King. 
Leaving a small garrison to defend it, Eibault went back to France 
with the ships for reinforcements. Civil war was then raging in 
France, and Coligny was almost powerless, but not discouraged. 
During a lull in the tempest of civil commotion another expedition 
was sent to America, under the command of Eene de Laudonniere, 
and made its first landing at the river of Dolphins, being the pres- 
ent harbor of St. Augustine. Laudonniere had accompanied Eibault 
on his first voyage. They arrived in July, 156-1, pitched their 
tents on the laanks of the St. Johns, and built Fort Carolina. 
There was great dissoluteness among these immigrants; some of 
them turned pirates and depredated extensively upon the Spanish 
property in the West Indies. The remainder became discontented, 
and were about to embark for France when the fleet arrived with 
immigrants and supplies. 



34 Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHAPTER XIIL 

WHEN" the Spanish monarch heard of the settlement of French 
Protestants within his claimed territory, and of the piracies 
of some of the immigrants, he adopted measures for their 
expulsion and punishment. Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, a 
brave military chief, was appointed by his King the hereditary 
Governor of the Floridas, on the condition that he should expel the 
French from the soil, conquer the natives and plant a colony there. 
In 1562 the site where St. Augustine now stands was an extensive 
village of the Selove Indians. Menendez arrived on the 6th of 
September, with a strong, armed force, and landed his troops in the 
harbor, giving it the name of St. Augustine in commemoration of 
having come in sight of the coast of Florida on the anniversary of 
a saint of that name, 28th August, 1565. Here he found three of 
his ships already debarking their troops, guns and stores. Two of 
his officers, Patano and Vincente, had taken possession of the 
dwelling of Indian Chief Selvoe. It was a large barn-like structure, 
strongly framed of entire trunks of trees, and thatched with pal- 
metto leaves. Around it they were throwing up entrenchments 
of fascines and sand; gangs of negroes with picks and shovels and 
spades were toiling at the work. 

Such was the foundation and birth of St. Augustine, the oldest 
town in the United States, and the introduction of slave labor upon 
this soil. The next day, with great ceremony and pomp, Menendez 
proclaimed his King, Philip the Second, monarch of all North 
America. Wliile Menendez was making haste to fortify his position 
at St. Augustine, Ribault was preparing to descend the coast, and, 
by a sudden attack, capture the Spanish fleet and cut off the set- 
tlement. This plan was ineffectually opposed by Laudonniere. 
His opposition to the plan of action adopted may have been the 
cause of his failure to accompany the expedition. Removing the 
artillery and garrison to his fleet, and leaving in the fort the non- 
combatants, including women, children and invalids, to the number 
of two hundred and forty, under the command of Laudonniere, 
Ribault set sail to attack the Spaniards on the 10th of Sep- 
tember. 

They bore rapidly down until in sight of the Spanish vessels 
anchored off the bar of St. Augustine. Before the enemy were 
reached and the fleet collected for action, Ribault found himself in 
the midst of one of those gales which occur with suddenness and 
violence on the coast of Florida at different periods of every fall. 



Jr'ONCE DE LeON LaND. 35 

The tempest rendered his ships unmanageable and finally wrecked 
them all at different points on the coast south of Matanzas Inlet. 

Menendez had watched the French ships as they approached St. 
Augustine. Observing the severity of the storm he was satisfied 
that the fleet could not beat back in its teeth should they escape 
shipwreck; therefore their return was impossible for several days 
after the storm should cease. Menendez determined to seize the 
favorable opportunity to attack the fort on the St. Johns. He 
gathered a picked force, and, with eight days' provisions, began a 
march across the country, under the guidance of two Indians, who 
were unfriendly to the French. The march proved difficult on 
account of the pouring rains and their ignorance of the country. 
The swamps and baygalls, many of them waist deep with water, 
proved so embarrassing that it took three days of laborious march- 
ing, amidst great discomfort, to cover the distance of fifty miles 
between the two posts Immediately after the departure of the 
ships Laudonniere had set to work, with the force at his command, 
to repair the breaches in the fort that had been made when they 
had expected to return to France. He also began to discipline his 
men so as to be a guard to the post. For several days the regular 
watches were kept up by the captain who had been appointed, but 
as the gale continued they began to feel confident that no attack 
would be made while the weather was so inclement, and therefore 
ceased to be vigilant. On the night of September 19th the gale 
had been very severe, and at daybreak, finding the captain of the 
watch was in his quarters, the sentinels went under shelter. At 
this very moment the soldiers of Menendez were in sight kneeling in 
prayer. From prayer they rushed to the attack, gaining entrance 
to the fort. Without much opposition they began an indiscrimi- 
nate slaughter. Laudonniere, with twenty men, sprang from the 
walls and escaped into the woods, from whence he made his way 
across the marshes to a small vessel in the river, which had been 
left in charge of Captain Jacques Ribault, a son of the Admiral. 
From thence they proceeded to France, without making any effort 
to find their companions of Eibault's fleet or to learn their fate. 

An order from Menendez to spare the women, children and 
cripples put a stop to the massacre, though it is said, "to escape 
death they were forced to submit to slavery." The French account 
says that all men who escaped instant death were hung to the limbs 
of neighboring trees. This may be exaggerated, but it is certain the 
Spaniards suspended the bodies of some of the Frenchmen and set 
up this inscription, "No por Franceses, sino por Luteranos/* 
Menendez found in the fort six trunks filled with books, well bound 



36 Ponce de Leon Land. 

and gilt, from which tlie owners did not say mass, but preached 
their Lutheran doctrine every evening; all of which books he di- 
rected to be burned. 

Fearing lest Eibault should have escaped destruction in the 
storm, and returning should make an attack in his absence, Menen- 
dez hurried back to St. Augustine. He took with him only fifty 
men, the remainder being left under the command of his son-in- 
law, De Yaldez, who was ordered to build a church on the site se- 
lected by Menendez, and marked by the erection of crosses. After 
the completion of the church De Valdez was to use every effort to 
strengthen the captured fort.' 

Arriving at St. Augustine, Menendez was hailed as conqueror, 
and having been escorted into the place by the priests and people 
who had been left behind, a solemn mass was repeated and the Te 
Deum chanted to celebrate the victory. 

Several of Ribault's vessels were wrecked between Mosquito and 
Matanzas Inlets. Strange as it may appear, in the destruction of 
the whole fleet but one life was lost from drowning. It often hap- 
pens on the sandy portion of the Florida coast that vessels will be 
driven high upon the beach by the force of the swell and there left 
by the receding tide in a sound condition. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



ABOUT two hundred men had collected on the barrier at Matan- 
zas Inlet, while a large party with Ribault were gathered on 
the barrier farther to the south. The Indians soon after 
reported to Menendez that a large body of men were at the inlet, four 
leagues south, that were unable to cross. He marched with forty 
men for the inlet, and arrived at Matanzas the same evening. His 
course was down the beach on Anastasia Island, as the account 
speaks of his ordering his boats to keep abreast of him on the 
march. 

Having come to the mouth of the inlet one of the Frenchmen 
swam across and reported that the party there assembled belonged 
to one of the vessels of Ribault's fleet. Menendez returned the man 
in a boat, and offered a pledge of safety to the French captain and 
four or flve of his lieutenants, who might choose to cross over and 
hold an interview. Upon this pledge the captain crossed over in the 
boat with four of his companions. These begged of Menendez that 
he would provide them with boats that they might cross that inlet 



Ponce de Leon Land. 37 

and the one at St. Augustine, and return to their fort twenty leagues 
to the north. Upon this Menendez informed them of the capture of 
the fort and the destruction of the garrison. The captain there- 
upon besought that they be furnished with a vessel to return to 
France, observing that the French and Spanish kings were loving 
brothers, and the two nations at peace. Menendez, in reply, asked 
if they were Catholics; to which it was answered that they were of 
the new religion. Then Menendez answered that if they had been 
Catholics he would feel he was serving his King in doing them kind- 
ness, but Protestants he considered as enemies, against whom he 
should wage war unceasingly, both against them and against all that 
should come into the territory of which he was Adelantado, having 
come to these shores in the service of his King to plant the holy 
faith, in order that savages might be brought to a knowledge of the 
Holy Catholic religion. 

Upon hearing this the captain and his men desired to return 
and report the same to their companions, and were accordingly sent 
back in the boat. Soon after, observing signals or signs from the 
opposite shore, the boat was sent over to learn their pleasure. 

The French then endeavored to make some terms for a sur- 
render, with the privilege of ransom. There being many members 
of noble and wealthy families among them, as much as fifty thou- 
sand ducats were offered for a pledge of safety. Menendez would 
make no pledge, simply sending word that if they desired they could 
surrender their arms and yield themselves to his mercy, in order 
that he might do unto them what should be dictated to him by the 
grace of God. The French seemed to have had an instinctive feel- 
ing that it would fare hard with them should they yield themselves 
to the Spaniards, yet they were so wholly demoralized and disheart- 
ened by the misfortunes that had befallen them, that, after much 
delay and parley, they finally sent word to Menendez that they were 
willing to yield themselves, to be dealt with as he willed. The 
French were therefore transported across the sound in parties of ten 
at a time. As each boat load was landed Menendez directed that the 
prisoners be led behind the scrub, and their hands pinioned behind 
their backs. This course, he declared to them to be necessary, as he 
had but a small number of men in his command, and if left free it 
would be an easy matter for the French to turn upon him and 
revenge themselves for the destruction of their fort and Laudon- 
niere's command. In this manner was secured the whole body of tlie 
French that had collected on the southern shore of Matanzas Inlet, 
to the number of two hundred and eight men. Of this number 
eight in response to an inquiry, declared themselves Catholics, and 
were sent to St. Augustine in the boat. The remainder were ordered 



38 Ponce de Leon Land. 

to march with the Spanish soldiers on their path back to the set^ 
tlement. Menendez had sent on in advance an oflficer with a file of 
soldiers, with orders to wait at a designated spot on the road, and as 
the parties of Frenchmen came up to take them aside into the woods 
and put them to death. In this manner the whole party were killed, 
and their bodies left on the sands to feed the buzzards. 

Menendez had scarcely reached St. Augustine before he learned 
that there was a larger body of the French assembled at the spot 
where he had found the first party, who were constructing a raft on 
which to cross the inlet. Hurrying back with his troops, he sent 
a message to the commander, whom he rightly conjectured was 
Eibault himself. He told him that he had destroyed the fort on 
the St. Johns and a body of those who were shipwrecked, promising 
him a safe conduct if he wished to cross over and satisfy himself as 
to the truth of this report. 

Eibault availed himself of this offer, and was shown the dead 
bodies of his men, who had been so cruelly murdered. He was 
allowed to converse with one of the prisoners, who had been brought 
in the company of the Spaniards. This man was one of the eight 
who were Catholics, and was spared from the former company. 

Eibault endeavored to negotiate for the ransom of himself and 
his men, offering double the sum before named by the French cap- 
tain ; but Menendez refused to listen to any terms, except an uncon- 
ditional surrender. After ineffectually offering a ransom of two 
hundred thousand ducats, the French Admiral returned to his party 
and informed them of the demand of the Spaniards. In spite of 
the terrible fate of their comrades, which should have served as a 
warning of what awaited them, one hundred and fifty of the com- 
pany, including Eibault, decided to surrender to the Spanish cap- 
tain. These were transported to the island and disposed of in the 
same manner as the former prisoners, saving only a few musicians 
and four soldiers, who claimed to be Catholics — in all, sixteen per- 
sons. Two hundred of the French refused to trust themselves to 
the Spaniards, preferring the chance of preserving their lives on 
the inhospitable beach until they could find a way to escape to a 
more friendly country. These retreated back to their wrecked 
ships and began to construct a fort and a small vessel to return to 
France, or at least to leave the fatal shores of Florida. 

Menendez soon after determined to break up the camp, fearing 
the presence of so large a body of enemies in his midst. Having 
fitted out a fleet of three vessels to co-operate by water, Menendez 
marched his soldiers a journey of 'eight days from St. Augustine. 
Here he found the fugitives encamped and prepared to resist an at- 
tack. Without delay the Spaniards were led to battle. The French, 



Ponce de Leon Land. 39 

being poorly equipped, fought at a disadvantage, and were forced to 
retire beyond the reach of the cannon of the fleet. Having captured 
the fortification, Menendez sent word to the French that if they 
would surrender he would spare their lives. A portion of the 
French refused to trust the pledge of the Spanish captain and with- 
drew to the woods. These were never heard of more. The remain- 
der came to the Spanish camp and surrendered. 

After destroying the fort and setting fire to the wrecked vessels 
and the ships the French had built, the Spaniards sailed bacTc to St. 
Augustine, bringing with them one hundred and fifty of the French- 
men. To this remnant of the proud army of Eibault the pledges 
given by Menendez were faithfully kept. 

It is difficult to believe that the unfortunate condition of those 
shipwrecked Frenchmen, far from their kindred or race, thrown 
destitute upon desolate shores, and begging so earnestly for life, did 
not move the heart of Menendez to feelings of pity. Doubtless a 
regard for his own safety, united with a furious fanaticism too 
effectually sealed the spring of charity in his heart. 

Let us hope that the sands of Florida will never again be red- 
dened by the hand of partisans. The result achieved by Menendez 
occasioned great rejoicing at the Court of Spain. Letters of con- 
gratulation and commendation were sent to him by Philip II. and 
the Pontiff, Pius V. The Pope's letter is an able, dispassionate 
epistle. After lauding the virtue of Menendez, he declared to him 
the key note to his inspiration and the motive of his labors should 
be to prevent the Indian idolators from being scandalized by the 
vices and bad habits of the Europeans: 

To Our Beloved Son and Nohle Lord, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, 
Viceroy in the Province of Florida, in the Part of India: 

Beloved Son and Noble Sir — Health, Grace and the blessing 
of our Lord be with you. Amen. 

We rejoice greatly to hear that our dear and beloved son in 
Christ, Philip, Catholic King, has named and appointed you 
Adelantado thereof, for we hear such an account of your person, 
and so full and satisfactory a report of your virtue and nobility, 
that we believe without hesitation that you will not only faithfully, 
diligently and carefully perform the orders and instructions given 
you by so Catholic a King, but trust also that you, by your dis- 
cretion and habit, will do all to effect the increase of our hoi}'' 
Catholic faith, and gain more souls to God. I am well aware, as 
you know, that it is necessary to govern these Indians with good 



40 Ponce de Leon Land. 

sense and discretion, that those who are weak in faith from being 
newly converted be strengthened, and idolaters be converted and 
receive the faith of Christ; that the former may praise God, know- 
ing the benefit of His divine mercy, and the latter still infidels, 
may be brought to a knowledge of the truth ; but nothing is more 
important in the conversion of these Indians and idolators than to 
endeavor by all means to prevent scandal being given by the vices 
and immoralities of such as go to these western parts. This is the 
key of this holy work, in which is included the whole essence of 
your charge. 

You see, noble sir, without my alluding to it, how great an 
opportunity is offered you in fathering and aiding this cause, from 
which result, first, serving the Almighty; second, increasing the 
name of your King, who will be esteemed by man, loved and re- 
warded by God. 

Giving you, then, our paternal and apostolic blessing, we beg 
and charge you to give full faith and credit to our brother, the 
Archbishop of Eossano, who, in our name, will explain our desire 
more at length. 

Given at Bome, with the fisherman's ring, on the 18th day of 
August, in the year of our redemption, 1569, the third of our pon- 
tificate. 

(Signed) Pius Fifth, Pope. 

As the exaggerated report of the cruelties practiced by Menen- 
dez spread through Europe, an intense and bitter feeling was ex- 
cited. Indignation inflamed the breast of the French nation at the 
destruction of their fellow-countrymen, although the King, Charles 
Ninth, failed — in fact, refused — to take notice of the slaughter of 
his faithful subjects. A petition of nine hundred widows and 
orphans of those who had sailed on that fatal expedition with 
Eibault was unheeded by this sovereign. That the fate of the 
Huguenots was merited as the common enemies of Spain, France 
and the Catholic religion was the openly avowed sentiment of this 
unnatural, unpatriotic King. 

Feeling the insecurity of his position, from which there was no 
place of retreat in case of a successful attack from a foreign foe, 
Menendez applied himself with the utmost diligence to strengthen 
the defenses of his new town, at the same time he instituted meas- 
ures to insure a permanent settlement, and the establishment of 
civil rights and privileges. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 41 



CHAPTER XV. 

THERE is but little doubt about the first landing of Menendez, 
and the attendant ceremonies. It is certain that soon after 
landing the foundation of the town was located on its present 
site, and the town, with its fortifications, regularly laid out. The 
city was originally planned to be three squares one way by four the 
other. At this time a stockade, or fortification, was built upon the 
site of the present fort. About the same period a parish church and 
hall of justice were erected, and civil officers appointed. 

During the winter succeeding the settlement of the Spaniards 
at St. Augustine, there was a great scarcity of provisions in the 
colony, so that the settlers were forced to forage upon the neighbor- 
ing Indians and to depend upon such supplies of fish and game as 
they might secure. The danger which attended any expedition for 
hunting rendered this but a meager source of supply. Satouriva, 
the chief of the Indians who inhabited the territory to the north, 
between St. Augustine and the St. Johns river, had been friendly to 
Laudonniere, and from the time of the destruction of the French 
he continued unceasingly to wage war on the Spaniards. His meth- 
ods of M'arfare exhibited the same bravery a.nd cunning that has 
since become characteristic of the Indians, never being found when 
looked for, ever present when unexpected. By the constant harass- 
ing attacks, encouraged by this chief, the Spaniards lost many valu- 
able lives, among them Juan Menendez, nephew of the Governor. 

To obtain supplies to relieve the distress of his colony, Menen- 
dez undertook a voyage to Cuba. The Governor of the island was, 
through jealousy, unwilling to render him any assistance, and he 
would have fared l)adly had he not found there four of his vessels, 
which had been left in Spain with orders to follow him, but, meet- 
ing with many delays, had only lately arrived in Cuba. 

With these vessels he returned to his colony, to find that during 
his absence a portion of the troops had mutinied and imprisoned the 
master of the camp, who had been left in command, seized upon 
what provisions there remained, and taking possession of a small 
vessel arriving with stores, had set sail for Cuba. 

Menendez, with consummate tact, succeeded in arousing the 
flagging interest of his colony in the extension of the true religion, 
and managed, by his courage and presence, to remove the cause of 
dissension. Desiring to be rid of a portion of his colony, who had 
proven quarrelsome, lazy and inimical to his interest, he sent a body 
of them, numbering one hundred, back to Cuba in one of the vessels 
going for supplies. The return of this vessel was anxiously looked 



42 Ponce de Leon Land. 

for, as the colony had begun again to suffer from a scarcity of pro- 
visions and from sickness. Without waiting for affairs to become 
desperate, Menendez sailed for Cuba to obtain the needed supplies. 
Upon his arrival he found the Governor of Mexico there, but so 
disparaging had been the reports of those who had deserted his 
standard that he was advised to give up his unprofitable enterprise, 
and the succor he requested was refused. His courage but rose as 
his circumstances became more adverse, and he determined not to 
relinquish his undertaking, nor to return empty handed to his fam- 
ishing colony. He pawned his jewels and the badge of his order 
for a sum of five hundred ducats^ with which he purchased the 
necessary provisions and hastened back to Florida. ITpon his return 
he was rejoiced to find that the distress of his colony had already 
been relieved. Admiral Juan de Avila had arrived from Spain 
with fifteen vessels and a thousand men and a larg-e quantity of 
supplies, and, what was most gratifying to ]\[enendez, a letter of 
commendation from his sovereign. 

Availing himself of the force now at his command, Menendez 
set out on an expedition to establish forts and missionary stations 
at different points along the coast, as had been his intention since 
his first landing in Florida. Several of these posts were, at this 
time, established by him in the territory then embraced in Florida, 
the most northerly station being on the Chesapeake Bay, which was 
the northern boundary of the possessions claimed by Spain. Priests 
or friars were left at each of these missionary posts for introducing 
Christianity among the Indians. Menendez l)ecame convinced that 
if all these establishments were to be maintained, and the most im- 
portant work of teaching the natives continued, he must have larger 
missions and greater forces at his command. Hoping to obtain this 
aid from his sovereign, he set out for Spain in the Spring of 1567. 
Upon his arrival he was welcomed by the King with many flattering 
attentions and assurances of aid in the furtherance of his plan for 
propagating the Catholic faith. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



WEIILE Menendez was occupied in Spain in forwarding the inter- 
ests of his colony, in France plans were being formed and 
a secret enterprise undertaken for an attack on the Spanish 
posts in Florida. 

Most inflammatory and exaggerated accounts of the massacre 
at Fort Carolina had been published throughout France. One 



PoNOE DE Leon Land, 43 

account says of the Spaniards that, after taking the fort and find- 
ing no more men, they assailed the poor women, and after having 
by force and violence abused the greater part, they destroyed them, 
aiad cut the throats of the little children indiscriminately. They 
took as many of them alive as they could, and having kept them 
three days witliout giving them anytliing to eat, and having made 
them undergo all the tortures and all the mocking that could be 
devised, they hung them to some trees near the fort. They even 
flayed the King's lieutenant, and sent the skin to the King of Spain, 
and having torn out his eyes, blackened with their l)lows, they 
fastened them on the points of their daggers and tried which could 
throw them the greatest distance. 

The French King had refused to listen to the appeals of the 
relatives of the Huguenots who had been exterminated in Florida, 
but, distressed by the destruction of their countrymen, and the 
harrowing accounts of the massacre, many of the nation had long 
felt it a mortification that an outrage so gross should have received 
neither redress nor rebuke. 

Among those whose zealous regard for tlie national honor was 
touched by the conduct of the French King, and in whose breast 
burned fiercely the fires of revenge, was the Chevalier Dominic de 
Gourgues. Appearing, as he does, in history, as the avenger of 
the sad destruction of his countrymen, in an expedition undertaken 
without solicitation, at his own expense and at the risk of forfeit- 
ing his own life by the command of his King, even if he should be 
successful, it is but natural that his character should have been 
extolled and his virtues exalted by all writers who have admired his 
chivalrous courage. 

De Gourgues was born of noble parentage at Mount Marsan, 
in Guienne, and was said to have been a Catholic, though it is de- 
nied by the Spanish historians. His life had been spent in arms 
in the service of his King in Scotland, Piedmont and Italy. His 
career was that of an adventurer, ever ready to risk his- life to 
acquire honor and reputation, and having little desire to amass 
riches. While serving in Italy against the Spaniards he was taken 
prisoner and consigned to labor as a galley slave. This ignomin- 
ious treatment of a soldier of his birth and rank left in his mind 
an unappeasable hatred of the Spaniards. His period of servitude 
was cut short by the capture of the Spanish galley upon which he 
served by a Turkish pirate, from whom, in turn, he was liberated by 
Eumeguas, the French commander at Malta. His experience dur- 
ing his imprisonment and escape seemed to have opened his eyes 
to the opportunities for plunder upon the seas. Soon after his 
release he entered upon a marauding expedition to the South seas. 



44 Ponce de Leon Land. 

in which he secured considerable plunder. He had but recently 
returned home and retired to enjoy in quiet the property acquired 
in his ventures, when the news of the destruction of Eibault's colony 
reached France. Eager to retaliate by a severe punishment this 
outrage upon his countrymen, De Gourgues sold his property and 
with the sum realized, and what he could borrow on the credit of an 
alleged commercial venture, purchased and equipped a fleet of three 
vessels, one of which was nothing more than a launch. Deeming 
it impolitic to make known the object of his voyage, he obtained 
license to trade and procure slaves on the coast of Africa. He 
enlisted for a cruise of twelve months a force of one hundred and 
eighty men, many of whom were gentlemen adventurers. He was 
careful to secure one, at least, of the men who escaped with Lau- 
donniere from Fort Carolina. M. de Montluc, the King's lieuten- 
ant in Guienne, a friend of De Gourgues, rendered him valuable 
assistance in securing his equipments. On the second of August, 
1567, he left Bordeaux, but was delayed by a storm eight days at 
the mouth of the river Garonne. Afterwards, having put to sea, 
he was driven by stress of weather far out of his course, and en- 
countered so severe a gale as to nearly wreck the fleet at Cape Fin- 
isterre. One vessel, in which was his lieutenant, was blown so far 
out of its course that for fifteen days it was supposed to be lost, 
which caused him great trouble, as his people earnestly besought 
him to return. The missing vessel, however, met him off the coast 
of Africa. Land was then kept in sight until they reached Cape 
Verde ; thence taking the direct route to the Indies, he sailed before 
the wind upon the high seas, and having crossed over, the first land 
which he made was the island of Dominique. From thence he 
proceeded, stopping at the island of St. Domingo to weather a gale, 
and at the island of Cuba for water, which he had to take by force, 
for he says, "The Spaniards are enraged as soon as they see a 
Frenchman in the Indies, for, although a hundred Spains could not 
furnish men enough to hold the hundredth part of a land so vast 
and capacious, nevertheless it is the mind of the Spaniards that 
this new world was never created except for them, and that it 
belongs to no man living to step on it or breathe in it save them- 
selves alone." 

De Gourgues had not revealed the real object of his expedition 
until after leaving the island of Cuba, when he assembled all his 
men and declared to them his purpose of going to Florida to avenge 
on the Spaniards the injury which had been done to the King and 
to all France. He set before them the treachery and cruelty of 
those who had massacred Frenchmen, and the shame that it was to 
have left it so long unpunished — an action so wicked and so humil- 



Ponce de Leon Land, 45 

fating — and the honor and satisfaction that would redound to them 
in removing from the escutcheon of France this foul blot. The 
spirit of the address was suited to the French temper, and they 
professed themselves ready to fight for the honor of France wherever 
the captain should lead. Proceeding on the voyage, the fleet passed 
the bar of the St. Johns river in sight of the forts which Menendez 
had constructed at the mouth of the river. The Spaniards mistook 
them for their own vessels, fired two guns as a salute, which was 
returned by the French, desiring to continue the deception. The 
fleet sailed north and entered the St. Mary's river, where they met 
a large body of Indians prepared to dispute any attempt to land.* 
Seeing this, De Gourgues made friendly demonstrations, and sent 
out the man who had been with Laudonniere. The Indians readily 
recognized the Frenchman, and were delighted to find the strangers 
were of that nationality and enemies of the Spaniards. The chief 
proved to be Satouriva, the firm friend of Laudonniere. After 
learning the purpose of the expedition, Satouriva promised to join 
the command at the end of ten days with his whole force of war- 
riors, declaring himself eager to avenge the many injuries he had 
himself received, as well as the wrongs inflicted on the French. 

Among Satouriva's tribe was a white child, a refugee from 
Laudonniere's massacre at Fort Carolina, who had been protected 
and reared as a son by the old chief, though the Spaniards had 
made strenuous efforts to secure possession of him or compass his 
death. The child's name was Peter de Bre, whom Satouriva had 
so faithfully defended, and he now brought him to the French ships, 
together with his warriors, as he had agreed. Being joined by the 
Indians, De Gourgues set out across the country, under the guid- 
ance of the chief, Helicopali, to attack the two forts at the mouth of 
the river. The Indians had promised to bring the command to 
the fort on the north side of the river by daybreak, but, owing to 
the difficulty in following the intricate paths and fording deep 
creeks, they were nine hours marching four leagvies, and the sun 
was rising as they reached the vicinity of the Spanish fort. This 
fort was built on Balton Island, near what is now Pilot Town ; the 
other fort was nearly opposite, in the vicinity of the present village 
of Mayport. Both were armed with cannon taken from the French 
at the capture of Fort Carolina. 

The Spaniards, not fearing a land attack on the fort on 
Balton Island, had neglected to clear away the woods in the vicinity, 
so the French were concealed until they were close upon the fort. 
As they rushed from their cover the Spanish sentinel fired twice, 
when he was pierced by the pike of Alacatora, an Indian chief and 
nephew of Satouriva. The Spanish garrison were at breakfast and 



46 Ponce de Leon Land. 

before they could be summoned the fort was filled with the French 
and Indians. So complete was the surprise that there was but little 
resistance. As many as possible were taken alive, by command of 
Captain Gourgues, in order to do them as they had done the 
French. 

As soon as the Spaniards whose lives were spared in the attack 
could be secured, De Gourgues embarked as large a portion of his 
soldiers as the boats at his disposal would carry, and hurried to 
cross the river to attack the fort at Mayport. The Indians, now 
wild with excitement, threw themselves in the water and kept along- 
side the boats, swimming with their bows and arrows held above 
their heads. The Spaniards in the fort had by this time begun 
to realize the situation, and directed the fire of their guns upon the 
boats and Indians. Their excitement and alarm was so great that 
they did not perceive a difference between the French and Indians, 
and, seeing so great a multitude approaching, they broke in terror 
and fled from the fort before the French reached the walls. The 
garrison of the two forts was near one hundred and forty men, all 
but fifteen of whom were either killed in the attack or slain by the 
Indians as they attempted to reach the mainland. 

The capture of these two forts occurred on the eve of the first 
Sunday after Easter, 1568. Crossing to the fort first taken, De 
Gourgues rested on Sunday and Monday. Scaling ladders and 
other preparations for an attack on the main fort were in the mean- 
time being prepared. While here a Spanish spy, disguised as an 
Indian, was recognized by Alacatora and brought to De Gourgues. 
From him it was learned that the French force was estimated at 
quite two thousand men, and that the garrison of Mateo, formerly 
Fort Carolina, was two hundred and sixty men. 

Hearing this report, De Gourgues was more anxious than ever 
to make an immediate attack. He directed the Indians to advance, 
some on each side of the river, and take up positions in the vicinity 
of the fort. 'Early on the morning of the next day he moved his 
forces up the river and gained a mountain covered with forest, at 
the foot of which was built the fort. He had not intended to attack 
the fort until the day after his arrival, but while posing his men 
and the Indian forces, it happened that the Spaniards made a sally 
with sixty arquebusers to reconnoiter his forces. 

This body he succeeded in cutting off from the fort and totally 
destroying. Seeing the fate of so large a part of their garrison, the 
remainder of the Spaniards left the fort in hopes that they might 
make their way to St. Augustine. Entering the woods, they were 
everywhere met by the Indians. Xone escaped, and but few taken 



Ponce de Leon Land. 47 

alive. Entering tlie fort, the French found a number of fine can- 
non, besides a great quantity of small arms, such as arquebuses, 
corslets, shields and spikes. 

The Frenchmen were now upon the scene of the massacre of 
their countrymen, and, as the taunting irony of the tablet erected by 
]\Ienendez was before their eyes, the spirit of vengeance was aroused. 
Ordering all the Spaniards who had been taken alive to be led to the 
place where they had hung the Frenchmen, De Gourgues rebuked 
them in scathing terms. He declared they could never undergo the 
punishment they deserved, but it was necessary to make an example 
of them, that others might learn to keep the peace which they had 
so wickedly violated. 

This said, they were tied to the same trees on which they had 
hung the Frenchmen, and in the place of the inscription which 
Pedro Menendez had put over them, containing these words in the 
Spanish language, / do this not as to Frenchmen, but Lutherans" 
so De Gourgues in like manner, erected an inscription that he had 
done this to them not as to Spaniards, nor as to outcasts, but as to 
traitors, thieves and murderers. 

One of the Spaniards is said to have confessed that he had hung 
up five Frenchmen with his own hand, and acknowledged that God 
had brought him to the punishment he deserved. The next day, 
while frying fish, an Indian set fire to a train laid by shrdlucmf 
while frying fish, an Indian set fire to a train of powder laid by the 
Spaniards, which had not been discovered, and the whole interior 
of the fort was destroyed. Being aware that his forces were too 
weak to hold the country, and having accomplished all that he 
crossed the ocean to perform, De Gourgues completed the destruc- 
tion of the fort and, bidding adieu to the Indians, sailed for France. 
The fleet arrived at La Eochelle on the 6th of June, after a voyage 
of thirty-four days. The loss of life in the enterprise had been but 
"a few gentlemen of good birth," a few soldiers in the attack, and 
eight men on the launch which was lost at sea. 

Being received with all honor, courtesy and kind treatment by 
the citizens of La Eochelle, where he remained a few days, De 
Gourgues then sailed for Bordeaux. The Spaniards being advised 
of his arrival, and what he had done in Florida, sent a large ship 
and eighteen launches to sui-prise and capture him. This formida- 
ble fleet arrived in the roadstead of La Eochelle the very day of his 
departure. The head of De Gourgues was demanded and price set 
upon it by the King of Spain. Though his acts were repudiated by 
the French King, he was protected and concealed by Marigny, 
president of the council, and by the receiver, Vacquieux. After a 



48 Ponce de Leon Land. 

time he was the recipient of marlced honors at the French court, 
and die(J in 1582, to the great grief of such as knew him. 

Thus ends the sad drama of the slaughter of twelve hundred 
men or more. That hoth Menendez and De Gourgues deserved great 
censure, no one can deny. We must remember, however, that if 
Menendez had taken all the Frenchmen prisoners that he killed, 
famine would have stared him in the face. He was appointed Ade- 
lantado of Florida under the promise of driving out the French and 
colonizing this territory. Could he have fed the French prisoners 
if he had captured them ? Would it not have caused the abandon- 
ment of the colonization of this territory? His great care and 
sacrifice for his colony in after years, and his great labor for the 
establishment of the Christian religion among the Indians shows 
conclusively that he was not altogether hard of heart. 

Who can tell what would have been the result of French colo- 
nization in this territory at this time, instead of the Spanish, to 
whom it undoubtedly belonged by right of discovery? 

That De Gourgues was influenced by revenge for the indigni- 
ties placed upon him while a prisoner of war in the hands of the 
Spaniards cannot be doubted. His great patriotism, the honor of 
his country, together with the exaggerated report of the cruel 
slaughter of his countrymen, led him to this terrible retribution 
and slaughter of the Spaniards. 

While these events were transpiring Menendez had completed 
his equipment, and sailed with a fresh supply of men and means for 
his colonies in Florida. His first information of the disaster which 
had overtaken his post on the St. Johns was received after his 
arrival at St. Augustine. So humiliating a disaster as the capture 
of three of his forts, well fortified and garrisoned with four hundred 
trained men, was the occasion of great mortification and vexation to 
this gallant knight, especially since the victors were the avengers of 
the former colonists, and the forces that accomplished the affair 
were so greatly outnumbered by his soldiers, who were also well de- 
fended by strong forts. To add to the discouragement, the condi- 
tion of the colony at St. Augustine was found to be most distressing. 
The garrison was nearly naked, the colonists half starved, and the 
attacks of the Indians growing more frequent and reckless as the 
weakness and despondency of the Spaniards became more apparent. 
The intrepid and indomitable spirit of Menendez did not bend un- 
der these obstacles and reverses, which would have crushed a nature 
of ordinary mould. His extraordinary and comprehensive genius 
opened a way, in the midst of almost superhuman difficulties, for 
the maintenance of his colony and the extension of the Catholic 
faith, the object to which his life was now devoted. Perceiving the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 49 

insecurity of the garrisons at a distance from each other, and tlie 
principal post, he wisely concluded to preserve his force entire for 
St. Augustine, and thus maintain the colony and a base of opera- 
tions. The spread of the Catholic faith he determined to secure by 
inducing the different tribes of Indians to receive and support one or 
more missionaries or teachers. At the earnest solicitation of Menen- 
dez large numbers of priests, friars and brothers of the various 
religious orders of the Catholic Church had been sent to Florida by 
the King of Spain. Mission houses were built all over the country, 
from the Florida capes on the south to the Chesapeake on the north, 
and the Mississippi on the west, to which these teachers, being 
mostly Franciscans, were sent. By the mildness of their manners, 
the promise of future joys and rewards which their teachings de- 
clared, and the interest excited by the introduction of the arts of 
civilized life, they gained a powerful ascendancy over the native 
tribes, that promised at one period the conversion of the whole 
North American Indian race to the religion and customs of their 
Christian teachers. This would have amply compensated for all 
the efforts, treasures and lives expended by the Europeans in the 
conquest of the New World, in fact, it would have been a wonderful 
revolution, that might well have been considered a miraculous dis- 
pensation of Providence. 

It is due to the grand, comprehensive conception of Menendez 
that there was initiated this plan of mission stations through the 
Floridas, which so nearly accomplished this happy result. That the 
ultimate success of the efforts to Christianize the Indians was not 
attained was probably owing to the political changes that occurred 
in Europe in the eighteenth century. In both France and Spain 
the Jesuits fell into disgrace, and the most rigorous means of sup- 
pression and banishment were adopted against them. The Jesuit 
mission in Florida shared the fate of their order in the Old World, 
and thus the encouraging prospect of Christianizing the Indians 
Avas swept away forever. 

Under Menendez and his immediate successors, whom he 
named and who followed his counsels, were founded those mission- 
ary establishments whose ruins have been at a later period a subject 
of curious investigation through Middle Florida. Menendez, find- 
ing that the interests of the colony were neglected at the Spanish 
court, and that the maintenance of the colony was daily impoverish- 
ing himself, resolved to return permanently to Spain, where he 
hoped that his influence would be able to accomplish more benefit 
to the undertaking in Florida than could be expected to accrue from 
his presence in the territory. Leaving the province under the com- 
mand of his nephew, Don Pedro Menendez, he sailed for Spain in 



50 Ponce de Leon Land. 

1572. Upon his arrival all the honors of the court were lavished 
upon him, and his counsels were eagerly sought in the various 
affairs of state. He was not destined to enjoy his honors long, nor 
to reap new laurels in the European wars of the Spanish crown. 
In the midst of his glory, his career was suddenly ended by his 
death from fever in 1574. His rank and memory are perpetuated 
in the church of St. Nicholas at Orbilas by a monument, on which 
is inscribed the following epitaph : 

"Here lies hurled the illustrious Captain Pedro Menendez de 
AvileSj a native of this city, Adelantado of the Province of Florida, 
Knight Commander of Santa Cruz, of the Order of Santiago, and 
Captain General of the Oceanic seas, and of the Armada which his 
Royal Highness collected at Santander, in the year IBH, where he 
died on the 11 th of September of that year, in the fifty-fifth year 
of his age." 

Following out the instructions of Menendez, De las Alas, the 
new Governor of Florida, assembled a council from the different 
missions in the province for the purpose of considering methods of 
extending the Catholic faith. In pursuance of the advice of this 
council, embassies were sent to all the tribes of Indians for several 
hundred miles around St. Augustine. 

Spanish garrisons and many Spanish monks to teach the 
Indians had already been received into the towns east of the Apa- 
lachicola river. In 1583 the Chickasaws, Toccoposcas, Apacas, Ta- 
maicas, Apiscas and Alabamas received the missionaries. At this 
period the Catholic faith v/as recognized as far west as the Missis- 
sippi and as far north as the mountains of Georgia. 

The Franciscans and Dominicans had been the first to repre- 
sent the monks in the New World. Afterward came the Fathers of 
Mercy, the Augustinians and the Jesuits. Although Florida was 
included in the diocese of the Bishop of Cuba, it was decided to 
establish a convent of the Order of St. Francis at St. Augustine. 
I find the name originally given to this convent was the "Conception 
of Our Lady," though it is generally referred to as St. Helena. 

This name, St. Helena, was applied to all the establishments 
throughout the province, of which the great Franciscan house at St. 
Augustine was to be the center. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 51 



CHAPTER XVII. 

NINE years had elapsed from the death of Menendez, the colony 
at St. Augustine had slowly progressed into the settlement of 
a small town, but the importance which the presence of Me- 
nendez had given it was much lessened. In 1586, Sir Francis 
Drake, with a fleet, returning from South America, discovered the 
Spanish lookout upon Anastasia Island, and sent boats ashore to 
ascertain something with reference to it. Marching up the shore, 
they discovered across the bay a fort and a town built of wood. 

Proceeding toward the fort, which bore the name of San Juan 
de Pinos, some guns were fired upon them from it; they retired 
toward their vessel. The same evening a fifer made his appearance 
and informed them that he was a Frenchman, detained a prisoner 
there, and that the Spaniards had abandoned their fort; he offered 
to conduct them over. Upon this information they crossed the river 
and found the fort abandoned, as they had been informed, and took 
possession of it without opposition. It was built of wood, and only 
surrounded by a wall, or pale, formed of the trunks of large trees 
set upright in the earth. The platforms were made of the bodies 
of large trees laid horizontally across each other, with earth rammed 
in to fill the vacancies; fourteen brass cannon were found in the 
fort. There was left behind the treasure chest, containing £3,000 
sterling, designed for the payment of the troops in the garrison, 
which consisted of one hundred and fifty men. On the following 
day Drake's forces marched toward the town, but owing to heavy 
rains, they were obliged to return and go in boats. On their ap- 
proach the Spaniards fled into the country. A Spaniard concealed 
in the bush fired at the sergeant-major and wounded him, and then 
ran up and dispatched him. In revenge for this act Drake burnt 
their buildings and destroyed their gardens. The garrison and 
inhabitants retired to Fort San Mateo, on the St. Johns river. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



THE garrison and country were under the command of Don 
Pedro Menendez, a nephew of the Adelantado, who, after the 
English squadron sailed, having received assistance from Ha- 
vana, began to rebuild the city. In 1592 twelve Franciscan mission- 
aries arrived at St. Augustine with their superior, Fray Jean de 
Silva, and placed themselves under the charge of Father Francis 



52 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Manon, warden of the convent of St. Helena. One of th'em, a 
Mexican, Father Francis Panja, drew np in the language of the 
Yemasees his "Abridgment of Christian Doctrine," the first work 
compiled in our Indian languages. 

The Franciscan Father, Corpa, established a mission house for 
the Indians at Tolomato, in the northwest portion of the city of St. 
Augustine, where there was an Indian village. Father Bias de 
Eodriguez, called Montes, had an Indian church at a village of the 
Indians called Topiqui, situated on the creek called Conodo la 
Leche, north of the fort, and a church bearing the name of "Our 
Lady of the Milk" was situated on the elevated ground a quarter of 
a mile north of the fort, near the creek. A stone church existed at 
this locality as late as 1795, and the crucifix belonging to it was 
preserved in the Catholic Church at St. Augustine. 

These missions proceeded with considerable apparent success, 
large numbers of Indians being received and instructed both at this 
and other missions. 

Among the converts at the mission of Tolomato was the son of 
the cacique of the island of Guale. Wearying of the restraints on 
his passions required by the Christian law, he fell into great ex- 
cesses, and at last went off to a pagan band. Finding kindred 
spirits there, he resolved to silence the priest who reproved him. 
They returned by night to Father Capa's village of Tolomata. Tak- 
ing up his post near the church, he waited for the dawn of day. 
When Father Capa opened the door of his little cabin to proceed 
to the church, the conspirators tomahawked him, and cutting off 
his head, set it on a pole. Having brought his comrades to imbre\7 
their hands in blood, the young chief easily persuaded them to kill 
all the religious Spaniards. 

Proceeding, then, to the town Topiqui, they burst into the house 
of Father Bias Eodriguez. The missionary endeavored to show 
them the wickedness and folly of their conduct, which would entail 
punishment here and hereafter,, but finding his words of no avail, 
he asked the Indians to allow him to say mass. They granted his 
resquest, moved by a respect which they could not understand. The 
good priest, with his expectant murderers for his congregation, 
offered the holy sacrifice for the last time, and then knelt down 
before his altar to receive the deathblow, which enabled him to 
make his thanksgiving to heaven. His body was piously interred by 
an old Christian Indian after the murderers had departed. 

Learning of the approach of a band bent on massacre, Father 
Michael Hanon at Assopo, said mass and gave communion to 
Brother Anthony Badajoz, his companion. They knelt in prayer till 
the apostates came, who first dispatched the brother, then with two 



Ponce de Leon Land. 53 

blows of the war club crowoied Father Michael with martyrdoaii. 
The weeping Christians interred the bodies at the foot of the tall 
mission cross. 

On reaching Asao the insurgents found that Father Francis de 
Velascola had gone to St. Augustine, but the}^ lurked amid the veg- 
etation on the shore till they saw his canoe approaching. When the 
Franciscan landed they accosted him as friends, they fearing his 
great strength, seized him suddenly and slew him. Father Francis 
Davila, at Ospo, endeavored to escape at night, but the moon 
revealed him and he fell into their hands pierced by two arrows. 
An old Indian prevented their cruel work, and the missionary, 
stripped and suffering, was sent ashore to a pagan village. 

From thence the ferocious young chief of Guale led his follow- 
ers against several missions in other parts of the country, which he 
attacked and destroyed, together with the attendant clergy. Thus 
upon the soil of the Ancient City was shed the blood of Christian 
martyrs, who were laboring with zeal well worthy emulation, to 
carry the truths of religion to the native tribes of Florida. Over 
two hundred and eighty years have passed away since these sad 
scenes were enacted ; but we cannot even now repress a tear of sym- 
pathy and a feeling of admiration for those self-denying mission- 
aries of the cross, Avho sealed their faith with their blood and fell 
victims to their energy and devotion. The spectacle of the dying 
priest, struck down at the altar, attired in his sacred vestments, and 
imploring pardon upon his murderers, cannot fail to call up in the 
heart of the most insensible something more than a passing emo- 
tion. 

The zeal of the Franciscans was only increased by this disaster, 
and each succeeding year brought an addition to their number. 
They posted their missions in the interior of the country so rapidly 
that in less than two years they had established through the princi- 
pal towns of the Indians no less than twenty mission houses. 

On the 14th of March, 1599, the convent of St. Francisco, at 
St. Augustine, was destroyed by fire, and till the building could be 
restored the fathers occupied the hermitage of ISTuesta de la Soledad, 
which had previously been used as a hospital. It was several years 
before it was rebuilt. 

In 1611 the prelate, Francisco Marrose, custodio from the 
convent of St. Francisco of the Havana, together with the St. 
Helena Fr. Miguel de Annon and Fr. Pedro de ISTocas, fell martyrs 
by the hands of the Indians, who are said to have pillaged the town 
after having driven the inhabitants to seek protection under the 
guns of the fort or stockade. 



54 Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

IN 1638 the Apalachian Indians were captured by the Spaniards. 
They were subdued by the force sent against them. In 1640 
large numbers of them were brought to St. Augustine to work 
on the fort and other public works. At this period the English set- 
tlements along the coast to the northward had begun to be formed, 
much to the uneasiness and displeasure of the Spanish crown, which 
for a long time claimed, by virtue of exploration and occupation, as 
well as by the ancient papal grant of Alexander, all of the eastern 
coast of the country. 

Their missionaries had penetrated Virginia before the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. They built a fort in South Carolina and kept 
up a garrison for several years; but the Spanish government had 
become too feeble to compete with either the English or French on 
the seas. With the loss of their celebrated armada perished forever 
their pretensions as a naval power. They were forced to look to the 
safety of their settlement in Florida. The easy capture of the fort 
at St. Augustine by the passing squadron of Drake evinced the 
necessity of work of a much more formidable character. 



CHAPTER XX. 



IN 1665 Captain Davis, one of the English buccaneers, and a fleet 
of eight vessels came on the coast from Jamaica, to intercept 

the Spanish plate fleet on its return from New Spain to 
Europe; but being disappointed in this scheme, he proceeded along 
the coast of Florida and came off St. Augustine, where he landed 
and marched directly upon the town, which he sacked and plun- 
dered without meeting opposition from the Spaniards although 
they had a garrison of two hundred men in the fort, which at that 
time was an octagon, fortified and defended by round towers. 

The fortifications were probably very incomplete, and with a 
vastly inferior force it is not surprising that they did not undertake 
what could only have been an ineffectual resistance. It does not 
appear that the fort was taken; the inhabitants probably retired 
within the fort with their valuables. 

In 1687 Captain Don Juan de Ayala went to Spain in his own 
vessel to procure additional forces and munitions for the garrison 
at St. Augustine. He received the men and munitions desired, 
and as a reward for his diligence and patriotism he also received 



Ponce de Leon Land. 55 

the privilege of carrying merchandise duty free; being also allowed 
to take twelve Spanish negroes for the cultivation of the fields of 
Florida, of whom it is said there was a great want in that province. 
By a mischance he was only able to carry one negro there with the 
troops and other cargo. He was received with universal joy. 

Don Diego de Quiroga y Vosado, the Governor of Florida in 
1690, finding that the sea was making dangerous encroachments 
upon the shores of the town, and reaching even the houses, threat- 
ening to swallow them up and render useless the fort which had cost 
so much money and labor to put in the state of completion in which 
it then was, called a public meeting of the chief men and citizens of 
the place and proposed to them that, in order to escape the danger 
which menaced them and to restrain the force of the sea, they 
should construct a sea wall which would run from the castle and 
protect the city from all the danger of the sea. The inhabitants 
not only approved of his proposal, but began the work with so much 
zeal that the soldiers gave more than seventeen hundred dollars of 
their wages, although they were very much behind, not having been 
paid in six years, with which the Governor began to make the neces- 
sary preparations, and sent forward a dispatch to the home gov- 
ernment upon the subject. 

The Council of War of the Indies approved in the following 
year of the work of the sea wall, and directed the viceroy of New 
Spain to furnish ten thousand dollars for it, and directed that a 
plan and estimate of the work should be forwarded. Puiroga was 
succeeded in the governorship of Florida by Don Lauseano de 
Torres, who went forward with the work of the sea wall. He 
received for this purpose the means furnished by the soldiers and 
one thousand dollars more, which they ofi'ered besides the two thou- 
sand dollars, and likewise six thousand dollars which had come from 
New Spain remitted by the viceroy, Count de Galleo, for the pur- 
pose of building a tower for a lookout to observe the surrounding 
Indian settlements. The tower erected on the northeast bastion 
of the fort is evidently the one built for the lookout, sea and land- 
ward also. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



HOSTILITIES had broken out between England and Spain in 
1702. The English settlements in Carolina only numbered 
about seven thousand inhabitants when Governor Moore, who 
was an ambitious anl energetic man, but with serious defects of 



56 Ponce de Leon Land. 

character, led an invading force from Carolina against St. Au- 
gustine. The pretense was to retaliate for injuries, and, by taking 
the iniative, to prevent an attack upon themselves. The real mo- 
tive was said by Governor Moore's opponents at home to have been 
the acquisition of military reputation and private gain. 

The plan of the expedition embraced a combined attack by 
land and sea. For this purpose six hundred provincial militia 
were embodied with an equal number of Indian allies. A portion 
of the military were to go inland by boats and by land under the 
command of Colonel Daniels, who is spoken of as a good officer, 
while the main body proceeded with the Governor by sea in several 
merchant schooners and ships impressed for the service. The 
Spaniards, who had received intimation of the contemplated attack, 
placed themselves in the best posture of defence in their power, and 
laid up provisions in the castle to withstand a long siege. The 
forces under Colonel Daniels arrived in advance of the naval fleet 
of the expedition, and immediately moved upon the town. The 
inhabitants, upon his approach, retired within the spacious walls 
of the Castle. Colonel Daniels entered and took possession of the 
town, the larger part of which, it must be recollected, was a short 
distance from the castle. 

The description given by Oldmixon is as follows: 

"Colonel Eobert Daniels, a bra,ve man, commanded a party 
who were to go up the river in periaguas, to come upon St. Au- 
gustine on the land side, while the Governor sailed thither to attack 
it by sea. They both set out in August, 1703. Colonel Daniels, 
on his way, took St. John's, a small Spanish settlement; also St. 
Mary's, another little village belonging to the Spaniards; after 
which he proceeded to St. Augustine. He came before the town, 
entered and took possession. Governor Moore not having arrived 
with the fleet. 

"The inhabitants having notice of the approach of the English 
had packed up their best effects and retired with them into the 
castle, which was surrounded by a deep and broad moat. They 
had laid up provisions there for four months, and resolved to de- 
fend themselves to the last extremity. However, Colonel Daniels 
found a considerable booty in the town. The next day the Gov- 
ernor came ashore, his troops following him; they entrenched and 
posted their guards in the church and blocked up the castle. The 
English held possession of the town a whole month, but, finding 
they could do nothing, for want of mortars and bombs, they sent a 
sloop to Jamaica to procure them, but the commander of the sloop, 
instead of going thither, came to Carolina, out of fear of treachery. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 57 

Finding others who offered to go in his stead, he proceeded on the 
voyage, after he had lain some time in Charlestown. 

"The garrison all this while lay before the castle of Augustine 
in the expectation of the return of the sloop, which, hearing nothing 
of, the Governor sent Colonel Daniels, who was the life of the 
action, to Jamaica on the same errand. This gentleman, being 
hearty in the design, secured a supply of bombs and returned to- 
wards St. Augustine; but, in the meantime, two ships appeared in 
the offing, and being taken to be two very large men-of-war, the 
Governor thought fit to raise the siege and abandon his ships, with 
a great quantity of stores, ammunition and provisions to the 
enemy; upon which the two men-of-war entered the port of St. 
Augustine and took the Governor's ships. Some say he burnt 
them himself (certain it is they were lost to the English), and that 
he returned to Charlestown overland, three hundred miles from 
Augustine. The two men-of-war that were thought so large proved 
to be two small frigates — one of eighteen and the other of sixteen 
guns. 

"When Colonel Daniels came back to St. Augustine he was 
chased, but got away, and Governor Moore retreated with no great 
honor homewards. His periaguas lay at St. John's, where the Gov- 
ernor retired, and from there to Charlestown, only losing two men 
on the whole expedition. 

"Arratomakaw, King of the Yemaseans, who commanded the 
Indians, retreated to the periaguas with the rest and there slept 
upon their oars with a great deal of bravery and unconcern. The 
Governor's sailors, taking a false alarm and thinking the Spaniards 
were coming, did not like the slow pace of the Indian King in his 
flight ; to quicken him, bade him to make more haste, but he replied, 
*No, if your Governor leaves you, I will not stir until I have seen 
all my men before me.' " 

The Spanish accounts say he burned the town; this statement 
is confirmed by the report made on the 18th of July, 1740, by a 
committee of the House of Commons of the province of South Car- 
olina, in which it is said, referring to these transactions, that 
Moore was obliged to retreat, but not without first burning the 
town. 

It seems that the plunder carried off by Moore's troops was 
considerable; his enemies charged at the time that he sent off a 
sloop-load to Jamaica. In an old colonial document of South 
, Carolina it is represented "that the late unfortuned, ill-contrivad 
and worse managed expedition against St. Augustine was prin- 
cipally set on foot by the late Governor and his adherents, and that 
if any person in the said late Assembly undertook to speak against 



58 Ponce de Leon Land. 

it and to show how unfit and unable we were at that time for 
such an attempt, he was presently looked upon by them as an enemy 
and traitor to his country, and reviled and affronted in the said 
Assembly; although the true design of the said expedition was no 
other than catching and making slaves of the Indians for private 
advantage and impoverishing the country. * * * rpj^g expedi- 
tion was evidently to enrich themselves particularly, because what- 
soever booty, such as rich silks, a great quantity of church plate, 
with money and other costly church ornaments and utensils, taken 
by our soldiers at St. Augustine, are now detained in the possession 
of the said late Governor and his officers, contrary to an act of the 
Assembly made for an equal division of the same amongst the 
soldiers." 

The Spanish accounts of this expedition of Moore's are very 
meager; they designated him as the Governor of St. George, by 
which name they called the harbor of Charleston, and they also 
speak of the plunder of the town and the burning of the greater 
part of the hou.ses. Don Joseph Curriga was then the Governor 
of the city, and had received just previous to the English attack, 
reinforcements from Havana, and had repaired and strengthened 
the fortifications to a considerable extent. 

The retreat of the English was celebrated with great rejoicing 
by the Spaniards, who had been for three months shut up within 
the limited space of the walls of the castle, and they gladly re- 
paired their ruined homes, and made good the ravages of the Eng- 
lish invasion. An English account says that the two vessels which 
appeared off the bar and caused Moore's precipitate retreat con- 
tained but two hundred men, and had he awaited Colonel Daniels' 
return with the siege guns and ammunition the castle would have 
fallen into their hands. 

In the same year the King of Spain, alarmed at the danger 
which menaced his possessions in Florida, gave greater attention 
to the strengthening of the defences of St. Augustine, and for- 
warded considerable reinforcements to the garrison as well as ad- 
ditional supplies of munitions for the troops. 

The works were directed to be strengthened, which Governor 
Curriga thought not as strong as had been represented, and that 
the sea wall in the course of erection was insufficient for the pur- 
pose for which it was designed. Sixty years had elapsed since the 
Apalachian Indians had been conquered and compelled to labor 
upon the fortifications of St. Augustine. Their chiefs now asked 
that they might be relieved from further compulsory labor. After 
the usual number of references and reports and informations 
through the Spanish circumlocution offices this was graciously 



Ponce de Leon Land. 5y 

granted in a conditional form, until their services should be again 
required. 

During the year 1712 a great scarcity of provisions, caused by 
the failure of the usual supply vessels, reduced the inhabitants of 
St. Augustine to the verge of starvation, and for two or three 
months they were obliged to live upon horses, cats, dogs and other 
disgusting animals. It seems strange that, after a settlement of 
nearly one hundred and fifty years, the Spaniards in Florida should 
still be dependent upon the importation of provisions for their sup- 
port, and that an3i;hing like the distress indicated should prevail, 
with the abundant resources they had from^the fish, oysters, turtle 
and clams of the sea, and the arrow-root and cabbage-tree palm of 
the land. 

The English settlements were now extending into the interior 
portions of South Carolina, The French had renewed their efforts 
at settlement and colonization up the rivers discharging into the 
Gulf of Mexico. All three nations were competitors for the trade 
with the Indians, and kept up an intriguing rivalship for this trade 
for more than an hundred years. 

There seems to have been at this period a policy pursued by 
the Spanish authorities in Florida of the most reprehensible char- 
acter. The strongest efforts were made to attach all the Indian 
tribes to the Spanish interests. They were encouraged to carry on 
a system of plunder and annoyance upon the English settlements 
of Carolina. They siezed upon all the negroes they could obtain 
and carried them to the Governor at St. Augustine, who invariably 
refused to surrender them, alleging that he was acting under the 
instructions of his government in so doing. 

In 1704 Governor Moore made a sweping and vigorous incur- 
sion against the Indian towns in Middle Florida, all of whom were 
in the Spanish interests. He broke up the towns and destroyed the 
missions attached to them. 



CHAPTER XXIL 



IN 1725. Colonel Palmer determined, since no satisfaction could be 
obtained for the incursions of the Spaniards and Indians, and 
the loss of their slaves, to make a descent upon them. With a 
party of three hundred men he entered Florida with the intention of 
visiting upon the province all the desolation of retributive warfare. 
He went to the very gates of St. Augustine, and compelled the 
inhabitants to seek protection within the castle. In his course he 



60 Ponce de Leon Land, 

swept everything before him, destroying every house, field and im- 
provement within his reach, carrying off the live stock, and every- 
thing else of value. The Spanish Indians who fell within his power 
were slain in large numbers; many were taken prisoners. Outside 
of the walls of St. Augustine nothing was left undestroyed. The 
Spanish authorities received a memorable lesson in the law of retri- 
bution. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



ENGLAjSTD claimed and occupied the country up to the margin 
of the St. Johns, and established a post at St. George Island. 
This was deemed an invasion of their territory by the Span- 
iards. The post was attacked, unfairly, the English say, and some 
of their men murdered. Oglethorpe, upon this, ''acting under the 
instructions of the home government," commenced hostilities by 
aranging a joint attack of the forces of South Carolina and Geor- 
gia, with a view to the entire conquest of Florida. 

The instructions of the King of England to Oglethorpe were 
that he should make a naval and land attack upon St. Augustine. 
"If it shall please God to give you success, you are either to demolish 
the fort or bastions, or put a garrison in it, in case you shall have 
men enough for that purpose, which last, it is thought, will be the 
best to prevent the Spaniards from endeavoring to retake and settle 
the said place at any time hereafter." 

Don Manuel Monteano was then Governor of Florida, and in 
command of the garrison. The city and castle were previously in a 
poor condition to withstand an attack from a well prepared foe. 
On the 11th of November, 1737, Governor Monteano writes to the 
Governor General of Cuba that "the fort at this place is its only 
defense; it has no casements for the shelter of the men, nor the 
necessary elevation to the counter scarp, nor covert ways nor ravelins 
to the curtains, nor other exterior works that could give time for a 
long defense. It is thus marked outside, and it is without soul 
within, for there are no cannon that could be fired twent3^-four 
hours, and though there were, artillerymen are wanting to manage 
the guns." Under the superintendence of an able officer of engineers 
the works were put in order; the ramparts were heightened and 
casemated, a covered way was made by planting and embanking 
four thousand stakes. Bomb-proof vaults were constructed and 
entrenchments thrown up around the town, protected by ten salient 
angles, many of which are still visible. The garrison of the town 



Ponce de Leon Land. 61 

was about seven hundred and forty soldiers, according to Governor 
Monteano's return of troops on the 25th of March, 1740 ; the total 
population of St. Augustine of all classes was two thousand one 
hundred and forty-tliree. 

Previous to his attack upon the place General Oglethorpe ob- 
tained the following information from prisoners whom he took at 
the outposts : "They agree that there are fifty pieces of cannon in 
the castle at St. Augustine, several of which are brass from twelve 
to forty-eight pounds caliber; it has four bastions. The walls are of 
stone and casemated. The square is nearly fifty yards. The ditcli 
is forty feet wide and twelve feet deep, six of which is sometimes 
filled with water. The counter scarp is faced with stone. They have 
lately made a covered way. The town is fortified with an entrench- 
ment, salient angles and redoubts, which inclose about half a mile 
in length and a quarter of a mile in width. The inhabitants and 
garrison, men, women and children, amount to above two thousand 
five hundred. For the garrison the King pays eight companies sent 
from Spain two years since, for the invasion of Georgia. The com- 
panies numbered fifty-three men each, three companies of foot and 
one of artillery of the old garrison, and one troop of horse, one hun- 
dred men. Of these one hundred are at St. Marks, ten days' march 
from St. Augustine upon the Gulf of Mexico. One hundred are 
disposed in several small forts." 

Of these outposts there were -two, one on each side of the St. 
Johns, opposite each other ; one at Picolata, the other at Diego. The 
purpose of the fort at Picolata was to guard the passage of the river 
and to keep open communication with St. Marks and Pensacola 
when they were threatened with invasion by Oglethorpe. Messen- 
gers were dispatched to the Governor of Pensacola for aid, also to 
Mexico by the same route. The fort at Diego was but a small work, 
erected by Don Diego de Spinosa upon his own estate. The remains 
of it, with one or two cannon, are still visible. Fort Moosa was an 
outpost at the place now known as North river, about two miles 
north of St. Augustine; a fortified line, a considerable portion of 
which may now be traced, extending across from the stockades on 
the St. Sebastian to Fort Moosa, with communication by a tide 
creek extending through the marshes between the castle at St. 
Augustine and Fort Moosa. 

Oglethorpe first attacked the two forts at Picolata, one of 
which was called Fort Poppa or St. Francis de Poppa. It was a 
place of some strength. Its remains still exist about one-fourth of 
a mile north of the termination of the Bellamy road. It is an 
earthwork and is still easily traced. 

After a slight resistance both forts fell into Oglethorpe's 



62 Ponce de Leon Land. 

hands, much to the annoyance of Governor Monteano. Oglethorpe 
speaks of "Fort Francis as being a work of much importance." It 
commanded the passes from St. Augustine to Mexico, also to the 
country of the Creek Indians, also being near the ferry where the 
troops which came from St. Augustine must pass. He found in 
it one mortar, two carriages, three small guns and ammunition ; also 
one hundred and fifty shells and fifty glass bottles full of gunpow- 
der with fuses; a somewhat novel missile of war. 

The English general's plan of operation was that the crews and 
troops of the vessels should land and throw up batteries upon St. 
Anastasia Island, thence bombarding the town, while he himself 
designed to lead the attack on the land side. Having arrived in 
position, he gave the signal to attack to the fleet by sending up a 
rocket; but no response came from the vessels. He had the morti- 
fication of being obliged to withdraw his troops. The troops were 
not able to efi^ect a landing from the vessels in consequence of a 
number of armed Spanish galleys having been drawn up inside the 
bar, so that no landing could be made except under a severe fire, 
while the galleys were protected from an attack by the ships in con- 
sequence of the shoal water. 

He then prepared to reduce the town by regular siege, with a 
strict blockade by sea. He hoped by driving the inhabitants into the 
castle to encumber the Governor with useless mouths; to reduce 
him to the necessity of a surrender to avoid starvation. The town 
was placed under the range of his heavy artillery and mortars, and 
soon become untenable, forcing the citizens generally to seek the 
shelter of the fort. 

Colonel Vanderduysen was posted at Point Quartel and other 
troops upon Anastasia Island and the North Beach. Three bat- 
teries were erected, one on Anastasia Island, called the Poza, which 
consisted of four eighteen pounders and one nine pounder; one on 
the point of the woods of the island mounting two eighteen pound- 
ers. The remains of the Poza battery are still to be seen almost 
as distinctly marked as on the day of its erection. Four mortars 
and forty cohorns were employed in the siege. 

The siege began on the 12th of June. On the night of the 25th 
a sortie was made from the castle against a portion of the troops 
under command of Colonel Palmer, who was encamped at Fort 
Moosa, including a company of Scotch Highlanders, numbering 
eighty-five men, under their chief. Captain Mcintosh, all equipped 
in Highland dress. This attack was entirely successful; the Eng- 
lish sustained a severe loss, their colonel being killed, with twenty 
Highlanders, twenty-seven soldiers and a number of Indians. 

This atfair at Fort Moosa has generally been considered as a 



f'ONCE DE Leon Land. 63 

surprise, and its disastrous result the consequence of carelessness 
and disobedience of the orders of Oglethorpe. Captain Mcintosh, 
the leader of the Highlanders, was taken prisoner and finally trans- 
ferred to Spain. From his prison, St. Sebastian, under date of 
June 20th, 17-11, he gives the following account of the matter: "I 
listed seventy men, all in Highland dress, and marched to the 
siege, and was ordered to scout nigh St. Augustine and molest the 
enemy while the general and the rest of his little army went to an 
island where we could have no succor of them. I punctually obeyed 
my orders until seven hundred Spaniards sallied out from the gar- 
rison an hour before daylight. They did not surprise us, for we 
were all under arms, ready to receive them, which we did, briskh 
keeping up a constant firing for a quarter of an hour. When they 
pressed on with numbers, we were obliged to take our swords until 
the most of us were shot and cut to pieces. You are to observe we 
had but eighty men, and the engagement was in view of the rest o't 
our army, but they could not come to our assistance by being on the 
island under the enemy's guns. They had twenty prisoners, a few 
got off, the rest were killed; we were informed by some of them- 
selves they had three hundred killed on the spot, besides several 
wounded. We were stripped naked of clothes and brought to St. 
Augustine, where we remained three months in close confinement." 

This officer was Captain John Mcintosh, and his son, Brigadier 
General Mcintosh, then a youth of fourteen, was present in the 
engagement and escaped without injury. The family of Mcintosh 
has always been conspicuous in the history of Georgia. 

The large number of persons collected within the walls of 
the castle, under the protection of its battlements, soon gave rise to 
serious apprehensions on the part of the besieged of being reduced 
by starvation to the necessity of a speedy surrender. The batteries 
of Oglethorpe were planted at so great a distance that he could 
produce but little effect by shot or shell upon the castle, although 
he rendered the city itself untenable. The heat of the season and 
the exposure to which the provincial militia were unaccustomed 
soon produced considerable sickness and discouragement in the in- 
vading forces, and affected Oglethorpe himself. 

The Spanish Governor sent most urgent messages to the Gov- 
ernor of the island of Cuba, which were transmitted by runners 
along the coast, and thence by small vessels across to Havana. In 
one of these letters he says : "My greatest anxiety is for provisions. 
and if they do not come there is no doubt of our dying of hunger." 
In another letter he says : "I assure your lordship that it is impossi- 
ble to express the confusion of the place, for we have no proteetion 
except the fort ; all the rest is open field. The families have aban- 



64 Ponce de Leon Land. 

doned their houses and come to put themselves under the guns, 
which is pitiable. If your lordship, for want of competent force, 
cannot send relief, we must all perish." 

With the exception of the Fort Moosa affair, the hostilities 
were confined to the exchange of shots between the castle and the 
batteries. Considerable discrepancy exists between the Spanish and 
English accounts as to the period when the garrison was relieved; 
it was the communication of the fact of relief having been received 
which formed the ostensible ground for abandoning the siege by 
Oglethorpe. His strength was insufficient for an assault, and his 
with supplies did not arrive until the siege was raised. The real 
fact, I am inclined to think, is, that the vessels with supplies ar- 
rived at Matanzas Inlet, where they awaited orders from Governor 
Monteano as to the mode of getting discharged; that the informa- 
tion of the arrival, being known at St. Augustine, was communi- 
cated to the English, and thus induced their raising the siege. In 
fact, the hope of starving out the garrison was all that was left to 
Oglethorpe. His strength was insufficient for an assault, and his 
means inadequate to reduce the castle which was well manned and 
well provided with means of defense. 

It was, in truth, a hopeless task, under the circumstances, for 
Oglethorpe to persevere, and it is no impeachment of his courage 
or his generalship that he was unable to take a fortress of very 
respectable strength. 

The siege continued from the 12th of June to the 20th of July, 
a period of thirty-eight days. The bombardment was kept up 
twenty days, but owing to the lightness of the guns and the long 
range, little effect was produced on the strong walls of the castle. 
Its spongy, infrangible walls received the balls from the batteries 
like cotton bales or a sand battery — almost without making any 
impression. This may be seen on examination, since the marks 
remain to this day, in places where the walls have not been repaired. 

The prosecution of the siege having become impracticable, 
preparations were made for retiring. Oglethorpe as a pardonable 
and characteristic protest against the assumption of his acting from 
any coercion, with drums beating and banners displaA^ed, crossed 
over to the main land and marched in full view of the castle to his 
encampment, three miles distant, situated at the point now Imown 
as Pass ISTavarro. 

Great credit and respect have been deservedly awarded to 
Governor Monteano for the courage, skill and perseveraoice with 
which he sustained the siege. 

It is well known that the English general had, in a few months, 
an ample opportunity of showing to his opponent that his skill in 



Ponce de Leon Land, 65 

defending his own territory under the most disadvantageous cir- 
cumstances was equal to that of the accomplished Monteano himself. 
The defense of Frederica and signal defeat of the Spanish forces at 
Fort Simons will ever challenge for Oglethorpe the highest credit 
for the most sterling qualities of a good general and a great man. 

Two years subsequently Oglethorpe again advanced into Flor- 
ida. He appeared before the gates of St. Augustine and endeav- 
ored to induce the garrison to march out to meet him ; but they kept 
within their walls. Oglethorpe, in one of his dispatches, says in the 
irritation caused by their prudence, that they were so "meek there 
was no provoking them.^' As in this incursion he had no object in 
view but a devastation of the country and harassing the enemy, he 
shortly withdrew his forces. 

A committee from the South Carolina House of Commons, in 
a report upon the Oglethorpe expedition, thus speaks of St. Augus- 
tine, evidently smarting under the disappointment of their recent 
defeat : 

"July 1st, 1741, St. Augustine is in possession of the crown of 
Spain, is well kno^vn to be situated but a little distance from hence, 
in latitude thirty degrees, in Florida, the next territory to us. It is 
maintained by his Catholic Majesty partly to preserve his claim to 
Florida, and partly that it may be of service to the plate fleet when 
coming through the Gulf by showing lights to them along the coast, 
and by being ready to give assistancee when any of them are cast 
away. The castle, by the largest account, doth not cover more than 
one acre of ground, but it is allowed, on all hands, to be a place of 
great strength, and hath usually a garrison of three or four hundred 
men of the King's regular troops. The town is not very large, 
and is indifferently fortified. The inhabitants, many of whom are 
mulattoes, of a savage disposition, are all in the King's pay; also 
being registered from their birth, and a severe penalty laid on 
any masters of vessels that shall attempt to carry any of them off. 
These are formed into a militia, and have generally been com- 
puted to be about the same number as the regular troops. Thus 
relying wholly on the King's pay for their subsistence, their 
thoughts never turned to trade or agriculture, but dependent on for- 
eign supplies for tlie raost common necessaries of life, they spent 
their time in universal and perpetual idleness. From such a state 
mischievous inclinations naturally spring up in such a people, and 
having leisure and opportunity ever since they had a neighbor, the 
fruits of whose industry excited their desire and envy, they have 
not failed to carry those inclinations into action as often as they 
could, without the least regard to peace or war subsisting between 



66 Ponce de Leon Land. 

the two crowns of Spain and Great Britain, or to stipulations 
agreed npon between the two governments/' 

Among the principal grievances set forth in this report was the 
carrying off and enticing and harboring their slaves, of which a 
number of instances are enumerated. They attributed the negro 
insurrection, which ocurred in South Carolina in 1739, to the con- 
nivance and agency of the Spanish authorities at St. Augustine, 
and they proceeded in a climax of indignation to hurl their denun- 
ciations at the supposed authors of their misfortunes in the follow- 
ing terms: "With indignation we look at St. Augustine- (like an- 
other Sallee), that den of thieves and ruffians, receptacle of debt- 
ors, servants and slaves, bane of industry and society, and revolved 
in our minds all the injuries this province had received from them 
ever since its first settlement. That they have, from first to last, 
in times of profoundest peace, both publicly and privately, by 
themselves, Indians and negroes, in every shape molested us," not 
without some instances of uncommon cruelty." 

It is very certain that there was on each side enough sup- 
posed cause of provocation to induce far from an amiable state of 
feeling between the neighboring colonies. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



TO partially explain the cause of the action of Pedro Menendez, 
during his governorship of Florida, I find it important to go 
back to earlier history to find the motive for such action. To 
understand the situation, it is necessary to give a part of the history 
of the Inquisition — both ancient and modern. It is claimed by 
some that the inquisition originated from God, and that Adam and 
Eve were the first prisoners brought before that tribunal, and fur- 
idshed the model of the forms observed in the trials of the holy 
office. The sentence of Adam was the mark of the inquisitional 
reconciliation; his raiment, the skins of animals, the model of the 
San-benito, his expulsion from paradise the precedent for the con- 
fiscation of their property. This precedent is claimed to have been 
carried down to Moses, Xebuchadnezzer, King David, John the 
Baptist and even our Saviour, in which they claim to have precepts 
and authority for the holy office. 

Acts of intolerance have been committed by all denominations 
of the Christian faith since Christianity has been known, and al- 
ways will be, without a doubt. The crusaders who swept so fiercely 
over the southern part of France in the thirteenth century, blasting 



Ponce de Leon Land. 67 

the coiTntry and exterminating the people, first laid the foundation 
and erected the bloody altars of that tribunal. It would be unjust 
to say the Catholic Church or clergy were responsible for the actions 
of the inquisition. It arose during the feudal age, when mankind 
was undergoing a transition from the barbarous to the civilized 
state ; when a strong attempt was being made to establish a law that 
would give reasonable protection to all mankind. With what suc- 
cess we can only tell by looking back at the history of the world, 
from that time to the present. It was at a period of the world's his- 
tory when might ruled, instead of right; when the baser passions 
governed instead of the nobler ones; at a time when the greed of 
power, wealth, and rank held almost unlimited sway over the world. 
There have been too many brave and noble men among the Spanish 
clergy to give them the blame of the modern inquisition ; many of 
their own number fell under the ban of that fatal tribunal. When 
we look back over the history of Spain, we find too many brave and 
good men to believe for one moment that it was knowingly sanc- 
tioned by them; that it was established for political purposes by 
designing men, I think all will admit. That it ever received the 
sanction of the church, was through the action of a few, brilliant, 
but misguided, men, whose Christian principles were badly warped, 
and almost completely obliterated, by their greed of power, wealth 
and rank. 

When we look back over the bloody record of that fatal band, 
we wonder how it was possible for a people to submit to such an 
injustice. We can readily understand after reading the history of 
the inquisition, and with the knowledge that Pedro Menendez was 
a member of the inquisitional court, what was undoubtedly the 
cause of his action against the French Huguenots. He had been 
appointed Adelantado of Florida, with the full understanding that 
he was to expel the French from the territory claimed by Spain, 
which, at that time extended from the Gulf to the Chesapeake, and 
westward to Mexico. He evidently could not have furnished pro- 
visions for the two colonies, had he accepted the surrender of the 
French. It is evident that it was through the knowledge of the 
difficulties that he was placed in that he caused the massacre of the 
French after their shipwreck. He was strengthened in this course 
by the order of the Inquisitor General, as he was a member of the 
inquisitorial court, and received definite orders to banish or extermi- 
nate the French colonists, as they were deemed heretical at that 
time. In looking back, we can see the difficulties that Menendez 
labored under in the care of his colony, when threatened with starv- 
ation. He went to Cuba before his supplies had become exhausted, 
and, upon his arrival, he found the Governor of Mexico had ar- 



C8 Ponce de Leon Land. 

rived before him; there had been such a disparaging report made 
by the men who had deserted his standard, that the needed sup- 
plies were refused him. It was under these adverse circumstances 
that the manhood of Menendez shone out bright and clear as gold. 
He pawned the jewels and the badge of his order and raised funds 
enough for the necessary supplies for his colony, and at once hast- 
ened back to his distressed people. I think there can be no ques- 
tion about the action of Menendez, in the position he was placed 
with the Huguenots. 

After several modifications the detection of heretics was com- 
mitted to the Dominican friars. In 1233, a code for the regulation 
of their proceedings was formed and adopted in Germany and Italy, 
and introduced into Aragon in 1242, when additional provisions 
were established by the Council of Tarragona, together with those 
of 1233, which were the primitive instructions for the tribunal in 
Spain. 

The ancient inquisition bore the same peculiarities in its fea- 
tures as the modern ; the same secrecy in its proceedings ; the insid- 
ious modes of accusation and use of torture and penalties for the 
offender. The manual drawn up by Eginerich, an Aragonese, in- 
quisitor of the fourteenth century, for the instruction of the 
judges of the tribunal, prescribed all those forms of interrogations 
by which the unwary, and perhaps the innocent, victims might l>e 
circumvented. The rules of the ancient were no less repugnant to 
justice than the modern, but were less extensive in their operations. 
The persecution fell very severely on the Albigenses of Aragon and 
Provence, who were the principal victims of that time. 

The inquisition was not fully established in Castile until the 
reign of Isabella. It was certain that there was no lack of interest 
by St. Ferdinand, who heaped the fagots on the burning pile with 
his own hand, and John II., Isabella's father, who hunted the 
Basques like so many wild beasts. 

By the middle of the fifteenth century the Albigensian heresy 
had been nearly exterminated by the inquisition, when a new people 
came into prominence, that were frugal and industrious and had 
acquired wealth and power by their industry. The inquisitors saw 
at once what a chance there was to wring wealth out of these inof- 
fensive people, and Spain can't but blame herself for her loss of 
power by the expulsion of the Jews and Moriscos. That Ferdinand 
should have listened to the counsel of such men as Alfonso de Ojido, 
Diego de Merelas and Nicholas Francisco is surprising. That there 
was a deep-laid scheme by these men to confiscate most of the 
property owned by them is evident. Ferdinand's intercession with 
Isabella caused her to sanction the confiscation from her people. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 69 

Isabella's serious temperament naturally disposed her to re- 
ligious influences, notwithstanding the independence exhibited by 
her in all secular affairs. In her own spiritual concerns she 
evinced humility and deferred implicitly to what she deemed the 
superior sagacity of her instructor. An instance of this is worth 
recording. Fray Ferdinand de Talavera, archbishop of Grenada, 
was appointed confessor to the Queen ; he remained seated. Isabella 
remarked that "it was usual for both parties to kneel." "Xo," 
replied the priest, "this is God's tribunal ; I act here as his minister, 
and I should keep my seat; your highness should kneel before m,e." 
Isabella complied at once, and afterward said, "this is the confessor 
I wanted." 

It would have been well for Spain if this office had been held 
by Talavera instead of being transferred to Thomas de Torque- 
mada, a man who contained more pride, bigotry and intolerance in 
his heart than any man in Spain. His teaching went far to pervert 
the natural kindness of heart shown in most of Isabella's actions 
in life. 

It is due to Isabella's name to say that it was through the 
influence of this man that she solicited from Sixtus IV. a bull for 
the introduction of the tribunal. It was through this intercession 
that he issued a bull November 1st, 1478, authorizing the appoint- 
ment of two or three inquisitors for the suppression of her^y 
throughout Spain. 

On the 2d of January, 1481, the court commenced operations 
and published an edict requiring all persons to aid in apprehending 
all known or suspected of heresy. Every mode of accusation was 
indicated, and the numbers increased so rapidly that it was difficult 
to find prisons for them. 

The inquisitors adopted the policy of the ancient tribunal, 
and proceeded with a despatch that could have paid little regard to 
legal form. Six convicts were burned on the 6th of January, seven- 
teen in March ; no less than 398 had been sacrificed in the auto 
de fe Seville (See page 252, Prescott, Vol. I., Inquisition), which 
was prepared on a stone pile, erected in the suburbs of the city, 
with four stakes attached to the corners to which the unhappy suf- 
ferers were bound for the sacrifice, and celebrated as the place 
where heretics were burned, and ought to burn, as long as any 
could be found. <% 

Many of the persons convicted were persons estimable for 
learning and probity; and among these three priests are named, 
together with individuals filling judicial and high municipal sta- 
tions. The sword of justice is observed particularly to strike at the 



70 Ponce de Leon Land. 

wealthy, the least pardonable offenders in times of proscription, 
which evidently was the cause of their persecution. 

The plague which desolated Seville this year, sweeping off fif- 
teen thousand inhabitants, as if in token of the wrath of Heaven 
at these enormities, did not paralyze the arm of that fatal tribunal. 
A similar persecution went forward in the province of Andalusia 
in 1481, two thousand were actually burned and a large number in 
effigy, and 17,000 reconciled. 

In 1483, Torquemada was appointed inquisitor general with 
power to frame a new constitution for the inquisition. This was 
the origin of the modern inquisition, which, for three centuries, has 
extended its fatal sway over Spain and Portugal. When arrested 
they were cut off from all external communication. Counsel was 
allowed by the judges, but they were not allowed to confer together. 
If the prisoner did not confess his guilt, or attempted to conceal the 
truth, he was siibjected to the torture. This was administered 
in the deep vaults of the inquisition, where the cries of the victim 
could be heard only by his tormentors. The most odious feature 
was the confiscation where all the expenses of the court had to be 
paid before the crown received one farthing. 

The last scene in this dismal tragedy was the auto de fe. The 
most important actors in this scene were the unfortunate convicts 
who were now disgorged for the first time from the dungeons of the 
tribunal. They were clad in coarse woolen garments, styled san 
benitos, brought close around the neck and descending to the knee. 
These were of a yellow color, embroidered with a scarlet cross, and 
well garnished with figures of devils and flames of fire, which were 
typical of the heretics, and which served to make them more odious 
to the multitude. The greater part of the convicted, however, were 
reconciled. If the culprit acknowledged his guilt, his crime then 
bore the character of sin, and punishment was commuted to penance. 
The culprit prays, fasts and mortifies his body ; instead of going to 
the place of execution, he recites penitential psalms, hears mass, 
duly examines the state of his conscience, becomes contrite, confesses 
his sins and finally is restored to his family and to society. Those 
who refused to recant were delivered over, as impenitent heretics, 
to the secular arm, in order to expiate their offense by the most 
painful death, with the consciousness still more painful that they 
were to leave behind then> names branded with infamy, and their 
families irretrievably ruined. That a man like Torquemada. who 
had been the author of such crimes, should have been allowed to 
live to an old age and die quietly in his bed. seems impossible in 
this age. It would strengthen the belief in the Divine Power if this 



Ponce de Leon Land. 71 

person had received a fair proportion of all the torture that he had 
inflicted on mankind, before his death; perhaps his constant ap- 
prehension of assassination was a small portion of his punishment. 
It is fortunate for mankind that the civil jurisdiction of inquisition 
was practically abolished in 1808. After looking over the history 
of the men that Pedro Menendez was associated with, prior to his 
appointment as Adelantado of Florida, it is not surprising that 
he massacred the French colonists. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



DOX ALOXZO FERXAXDEZ DE HERRERA was appointed 
Governor of Florida in 1755, and completed the 'exterior works 
and finished the castle. 
The fort and defenses of St. Augustine were 191 years in con- 
struction, and cost the Spanish government over thirty million of 
dollars. The castle has never been taken by a besieging enemy. 
It is a noble fortification, requiring one hundred cannon and one 
thousand men to defend it. Since it came into the possession of the 
United States it has been strengthened by the water battery, which 
is a very formidable defense. The fort at St. Augustine was desig- 
nated Fort IMarion, in honor of the memory of Brigadier-General 
Francis Marion of the Revolution, pursuant to general order Xo. 
1, Adjutant General's Office, January 7th, 1825. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



THE 29th of June, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles sailed from 
Spain in the San Playo, with nineteen vessels, carrying fifteen 
hundred persons, including mechanics of all kinds, for the 
purpose of establishing a colony in Florida. Other vessels followed, 
under the command of Stephen de las Alas, with quite a number of 
colonists, several Franciscan fathers, and priests of other orders — 
twenty-six hundred and forty-six people embarked for Florida. 
Menendez expended a million ducats in fitting out his colony. 

He reached Porto Rico with only one-third of his fleet, they 
having been dispersed by a storm. There he learned that the 
French admiral had sailed before him, and captured a Spanish 
vessel in the West Indies, thus opening hostilities. Menendez held 
a council of war and decided to proceed and attack the French, who 



72 Ponce de Leon Land. 

had planted a colony on the St. John's. He reached the coast of 
Florida on the 28th of August — the feast of St. Augustine. The 
Te Deiim was chanted with great solemnity. Menendez sailed up 
the coast in search of the French. Coming upon Ribault's vessels 
at the mouth of the St. John's, he announced his determination to 
put them all to death. No quarter at that time was shown to the 
Spaniards on sea or land by the French or English cruisers. Those 
who escaped from the wreck of the armada on the coast of Ireland 
were all put to death without mercy by the English, unless they 
were rich enough to ransom their lives. Only a few years before, 
Jacques Sarie, a French commander, had burned Havana and hung 
his prisoners among the smoking ruins. The terms announced by 
Menendez to the French were precisely those given to the Spaniards 
by the French and English. 

After an ineffectual pursuit of the French vessels, Menendez 
sailed down the coast to the harbor of St. Augustine, where he had 
determined to plant his settlement. His resolution was to fortify 
his position there and hold out until the rest of his fleet arrived. 

Entering the harbor on the 6th of September, he sent three 
companies of soldiers ashore, under two captains, who were to select ' 
a site and begin a fort. A cacique gave the new comers a large 
cabin near the seashore; around it the Spanish officers traced the 
lines for a fort, the soldiers with their hands and anything they 
could fashion into an implement digging the ditches and throwing 
up the ramparts. The next day, September 7th, Menendez landed 
amid the thunder of artillery and the blasts of trumpets, with the 
banner of Castile and Aragon unfurled. The priest, Mendoza 
Grajales, who had landed the previous day, took a cross and pro- 
ceeded to meet him, followed l)y the soldiers chanting the Te Deurn. 
Menendez advanced to the cross, which he kissed on bended knee, 
as did all who followed him. The solemn mass of Our Lady was 
then offered at a spot the memory of which has been preserved on 
Spanish maps. It received, the name of Nombre de Dios, as there 
the name of God was first invoked by the awful sacrifice of the new 
law. There, in time, the piety of the faithful erected the primitive 
hermitage or shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Leche. Thus began 
the permanent service of the Catholic Church in the oldest city in 
the United States, maintained now, with but brief interruption, 
for more than three hundred years. The name of the celebrant 
is not stated. We know that, besides Grajales, there was present 
Dr. Salis Meras, brother-in-law of Menendez. 

The work of landing the supplies for the settlers, and arms and 
munitions for the soldiers, went steadily on, directed by Menendez 
himself. His vessels could not cross the bar to enter the harbor, 



Ponce de Leon Land. 73 

and were exposed to the attacks of the French. In fact, his boats 
while landing supplies were nearly captured by the French, who 
suddenly appeared. The Spaniards ascribe their escape to Our 
Lady of Consolation at Utrera, whom they invoked in their sore 
strait. As soon as all needed by his settlement was disembarked, 
]\Ienendez sent off his vessels and prepared to act on the defensive. 
His forces consisted of six hundred men at arms. The French were 
superior in numbers and had their ships. 

The first line of defense at St. Augustine was an octagon. The 
entrenchments were built with fascines, filled with earth and faced 
with logs, with ditches and slope. Earth and wood was the only 
material found at that time in this country that could be used in 
the construction of lines of defense. Menendez extended his lines 
and made an entrenched camp connecting with the fort for the 
protection of his colony. They landed eighty cannon from the 
ships; the lightest of them weighed two thousand five hundred 
pounds. 

The Spaniards kept their people at work extending and 
strengthening their lines. Menendez appreciated his situation and 
the immense amount of labor it would take to put his fort in a 
state of defense, and complete an entrenched camp lar^e enough to 
protect his colony in the event of an attack from the French. 

The fort was named San Juan de Pinas. In 1586 Sir Francis 
Drake landed on Anastasia Island. He sent his troops across the 
river and burned the city and captured two thousand pounds ster- 
ling in the fort. This money had been sent from Spain for the 
payment of the troops. The Spaniards retreated in haste when the 
English crossed the river, making little resistance. The fort 
had been stockaded inside of the embankments, with loopholes for 
riflemen and platforms for cannon, built of large pine logs. 

In 1640, the Spaniards having subdued and captured the Apa- 
lachian Indians, they were brought to St. Augustine and forced to 
labor upon the fortifications. At this period the fort and defenses 
of the town were built of earth and wood. The Governor, finding 
that there was need of stronger and more permanent diefenses, 
commenced the use of the coquina rock for the reconstruction of the 
fort and for building houses. The fort was strengthened by two 
large towers, mounting twenty-six guns. This gave them a much 
wider range for their guns than they had previously. They con- 
structed an exterior and interior wall, sixteen feet apart, filling 
between with earth well rammed. 

In 1665, Captain Davis came up the coast with a fieet of eight 
vessels. He landed and sacked the town without meeting opposi- 
tion, the inhabitants retiring into the fort for protection. Davis 



74 Ponce de Leon Land. 

did not attack the fort, although at that time it was incomplete 
After Captain Davis' attack on the city the Spanish Governor again 
changed the plan of the fort to a trapezium, with outer walls nine 
feet at the terreplein and twelve feet at the base, built of coquina, 
with an interior wall three feet thick. The space between the two 
walls was filled with earth, covered with rock for the terreplein. 
It was twenty-one feet high, with ramparts and an interior wall 
about two feet above the terreplein, on which the guns were 
mounted. There were four bastions filled with earth. The ditches 
were forty feet wide, the covered way, glacis, ravelins and place of 
arms were complete. 

The Spaniards worked diligently on the castle until the siege 
of 1702 by Governor Moore, It was then in a fair state of comple- 
tion. It withstood the siege without material damage. 

Between 1703 and 1740, the fort was casemated and placed in 
a splendid condition for defense, with ample water supply for all 
the people it could hold. The town was defended by a series of lines 
of stockades and redoubts. The north by three lines of defense — 
one from Fort Moosa to the St. Sebastian, one from the chapel of 
Nuestra Senora de la Leche, where the Catholic cemetery is now 
located, and one from the fort to the city gates, thence to the St 
Sebastian river. This line had an embankment and moat forty feet 
wide. There were five redoubts on the Fort Moosa line, and three 
redoubts on the other two north lines — ^one on the west side between 
the inner and middle north lines, also a line running from the west 
point of the fort in and along the St. Sebastian marsh, thence turn- 
ing to the eastward, making the south line, with five redoubts on 
the west and two on the south line. There were five interior lines; 
the south interior line running from the Matanzas west, connecting 
with the west line, the New Smyrna road and ferry across the St. 
Sebastian river. The next interior line ran from the Matanzas west- 
ward, connecting with the St. Sebastian line on Little Bridge street, 
with a cross line forming a V, with the point near the monastery, 
and a redoubt facing the south on each of these east and west lines. 
The third interior line connects this second east and west interior 
line about two-thirds of the distance from Matanzas to the St. 
Sebastian, with five angles. The next interior line connects the 
first redoubt on the fort line with the Matanzas, with two redoubts 
and two angles. 

There was a large battery on Anastasia Island, covering the 
main entrance to the harbor. In vain Oglethorpe directed the fire 
of his large number of guns against the solid walls of the castle. 
The shot at such a long distance did not penetrate more than thirty- 
three inches. This soft shell rock did not fracture or splinter in the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 75 

least, but impacked the same almost as the shot did that was thrown 
into the redoubts. The Spaniards had about fifty cannon, many of 
tliom brass, ranging from twelve to forty-eight pounders, and com- 
manded by the brave and skillful General Monteano. On the 20th 
day of July, after thirty-eight days' siege, General Oglethorpe found 
it was impossible to breach the walls of the castle sufficiently to 
make an assault practicable; he abandoned the siege and retired 
to his territory. 

Governor Monteano repaired the walls of the castle where they 
had been injured by the besiegers. In 1755, Don Alonzo Fernandez 
de Herreda was appointed Governor of Florida, and completed the 
exterior works and finished the fort as it now is, with the exception 
of the water battery, which was constructed by the United States; 
also the hot-shot furnace, which was completed in 1842; also the 
reconstruction and extension of the sea wall. 

The Apalachian Indians were compelled to work on the castle 
for sixty years. To their efforts are probably due the evidence of 
the immense labor in the construction of the ditches, ramparts and 
glacis, and the approaches, the huge mass of stone contained in its 
solid walls. It required the labor of hundreds of workmen for many 
years, procuring and cutting the stone in the quarries on the island, 
transporting them to the river and across the bay and fashioning 
and raising them to their places; besides the Indians compelled to 
labor on the structure, some labor was constantly bestowed by the 
garrison. For a considerable period convicts were brought here from 
Mexico to work on the defenses and other public works. During the 
repairs and extensions effected by Monteano previous to the siege 
by Oglethorpe, he worked one hundred and forty Mexican convicts. 
The southwestern bastion is said to have been completed by Monte- 
ano. The bastions bore the names of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. 
Charles and St. Augustine. 

It took one hundred guns for its complete armament, with a 
garrison of one thousand men. It is completed on the Vauban plan 
of fortification. It is one of the best of this plan of defense. Its 
strength for resisting shot and shell has been thoroughly tested in 
earlier days. It has never been taken, although twice besieged and 
several times attacked. 

Its frowning battlements and sepulchral vaults will long stand 
after we, and those of our day shall be numbered with that long 
past of which it is a memorial. Of the legends connected with its 
dark chambers and prison vaults, the chains, the instruments of 
torture, the skeletons walled in its secret recesses, of Coacoochee's 
escape, and many other tales there is much to say; but it is better 
said within its grim walls, where the eye and the imagination can 



76 Ponce de Leon Land. 

go together in weaving a web of mystery and awe over its sad asso- 
ciations to the solemn sound of the grating bolts and clanking 
chains. 

No fortress in all our broad land has as many quaint legends 
as this thrice named structure — San Juan de Pinas, San Marco and 
Marion. The entrance is over a draw bridge to the ravelin and 
across a bridge to the portcullis. Over the entrance is the coat 
of arms of Spain, with an inscription which is translated : "Don 
Fernandez the Sixth being King of Spain, and the Pield Marshal 
Don Alonzo Fernandez de Herreda, Governor and Captain-General 
of the city of St. Augustine, Florida, and its province, this fortress 
was finished in the year 1756. The works Avere directed by the 
captain engineer, Don Pedro de Brazas y Garay." 

On crossing the portcullis you pass through the massive door 
into the sallyport ; on the right are two guard rooms and a dungeon. 
The first guard room has a very large fireplace, the next having a 
smaller one. This dungeon was evidently used for the confinement 
of prisoners for minor offenses. It was in this cell that Coacoochee 
and Talums Hadjo were confined. These Indians starved them- 
selves for several days, until they were very much emaciated. They 
complained to the commanding officer that the confinement in the 
dark cell made them sick; they were transferred to the court room 
with Osceola, where they made their escape through iron bars eight 
inches apart, running horizontally across the ventilator. Xext to 
the door are three niches cut in the wall by Osceola to enable him to 
climb up and sit on the ledge of the window over the door looking 
into the quadrangle. The casemate to the left of the sallyport was 
the commandant's quarters, and had a small fireplace. The next 
casemate was for the stafl: and other officers of the garrison. The 
next was used for the same purpose, except when the bishop came to 
Florida to visit his diocese it was used for his quarters ; as he came 
but seldom it was used for officers' quarters principally. The next 
casemate was the court room ; it has a raised platform for the offi- 
cers composing the court. On the next door is the last one of the 
original Spanish locks of very large dimensions, which was first 
locked, then a large bolt with a hasp closed the first keyhole and 
locked with a padlock; this door is strapped inside and out and 
bolted through the straps about five inches apart, so arranged that 
if the woodwork should be burned or cut away no one could get 
through the bars. The woodwork has been renewed; the lock and 
bars are original ; the doors were thus constructed to all of the case- 
mates. In the northwest corner is the casemate that leads into the 
magazine; in this room is a niche very peculiarly shaped. For 
what purpose it was constructed no one can tell. There is a tra- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 77 

dition that the first room was used for the council. If the com- 
mandant wished to find out what action any member of that body 
took on any measures that he put before them, he could conceal 
himself in this niche in the magazine and find out what action, 
each member of the council had taken. There is a small aperture 
from the niche into the council room, but not discernible from that 
room. 

The next room of historical importance is the chapel. In this 
is the niche for the patron saint, St. Augustine, and the altar. The 
adjoining rooms were used ordinarily for the dormitories and the 
records of the colony, and for condemned prisoners to hear mass 
before they were executed. At that time they could not bring a con- 
demned prisoner into a chapel; the moment he had a chance to 
kneel at the altar he could claim the right of sanctuary. In the wall 
near the spring of the arch is a part of the old timbers that crossed 
the room to support the platform for the choir ; on the right are the 
old timbers where the confessional was fastened to the wall — a 
round circular place for the priest and for the person to confess; 
next is a portion of the two founts for holy water. Who can give 
the history of this chapel? We know that some of the brightest, 
best and most patriotic Spanish clergy have celebrated mass within 
its walls. During the attacks and sieges of this fortress, when they 
have been driven from their monastery, church and chapel, they 
gathered within these walls to minister, assist and console their 
flock. Can we estimate the value of the labor of this noble band 
of brothers during the long sieges, when the weeping mothers, 
wives, sisters and daughters were expecting every moment to have 
some one of their loved ones brought to them dead or wounded? 
They were not safe at the altar from the flying shot and bursting 
shell. Nor when celebrating mass or giving the last sad rites to 
the dead were they secure from danger. 

The next room of historical importance is the pennancarrah. 
There were six crosses fastened to the wall on the right hand side of 
this room, and a large cross at the back with two large shrines, and 
two smaller shrines to the right and left of the large cross. This 
was used for the punishment of prisoners ; they were chained under 
these crosses for punishment ; the chains were attached to a bolt in 
the wall, it was fastened under the arms with cross chains over the 
shoulders, holding the prisoners in an upright position so they could 
neither sit nor lie down. There are two parallel lines at the spring 
of the arch with large half circles above and small circles below. At 
the entrance to this dungeon is a large circle with small circles cen- 
tering on it ; this entrance has been cut out at some time and then 
made narrower again; a small part of this wall has been broken 



78 Ponce de Leon Land. 

away. The door was composed of three tiers of iron bars on broad 
iron plates; two tiers vertical and one tier horizontal intersecting 
every two inches. 

This dungeon was evidently used for general prisoners. The 
room is thirty feet long on the west side, sixteen feet on the east 
side, seventeen on the south and twenty on the north, making a part 
of a triangle. The entrance to the next room is through an aperture 
six feet high and two feet four inches wide. This room is five feet 
wide at the east end and seven at the west, and twenty feet long, 
fifteen feet high to the center of the arch. The next room is 
entered through an aperture thirty inches in height by three feet 
wide; this room is twenty feet in length, thirteen in width and 
seven feet high. These two rooms have been the wonder of thou- 
sands of people since they were first discovered in 1835. Some 
very curious legends have been related about them. Some histo- 
rians claim that one was the magazine, others say that it was the 
place for the disposal of rubbish for the garrison. 

The magazine was in the northwest bastion. This is shown on 
a copy of the plan from the Spanish government to the War De- 
partment. These two rooms were built to cover a secret entrance to 
the castle, and were evidently built for that purpose after several 
attempts had been made to build a gallery from this inner room to 
some point outside the castle. It was found to be impracticable. 
They had to sink a shaft nearly twenty feet to connect with a gal- 
lery under the moat. They found they could not drive the piling 
for the foundation of the gallery in the limited space they had to 
work in or keep the water from penetrating into the shaft and gal- 
lery. The work was abandoned. No one outside the officials and the 
troops of the garrison knew that the attempt was made to build a 
secret passageway from this inner room to the outside of the fort. 
After abandoning the work the entrance to the first secret room was 
walled up. It was evidently closed with a solid iron door on the 
outside, and walled up solid on the inside. There was a small con- 
cealed entrance from the terreplein into this room; it was by this 
giving way while they were moving one of the heavy cannon across 
this man-hole that these rooms were discovered in 1835, fourteen 
years after it had been transferred to the United States. In this 
room were cross timbers and racks for the punishment of prisoners 
in extreme cases. There were two solid iron doors closing the en- 
trance to the next room that opened in and out and could be 
opened only from the side where they were closed. It is in this 
room, tradition says, that two skeletons were found in iron cages 
bolted to the wall — the skeletons of a man and a woman. The evi- 
dences remaining, are the two places in the wall where the cages were 



Ponce de Leon Land. 79 

fastened. If they were confined there, what was it for? Who were 
they? What crime had they committed, if any? 

It is probable that the crime committed was that of being in 
the way of some person of rank and power. If they had commit- 
ted a crime against the laws of the land they could have been 
brought to trial and disposed of without the trouble of immuring 
them in these secret dungeons. 

I am told by those who have been through all the noted dun- 
geons in the Old World that there are none there to equal these two 
rooms. Once confined within its gloomy walls death was certain 
within a few hours, without the least possible chance of escape. It 
was a strong rod to hold over people to threaten them with the 
acquaintance of these rooms, knowing that if they were sentenced 
by the court, or inquisition, to be confined within their gloomy 
walls they would never more be heard of in this world. None but 
the officials knew what became of them. What a terror to evildoers 
to threaten them with the acquaintance of these terrible dungeons ! 

The next room of historical importance is the room to the right, 
under the arch, which was used for the hospital. There is a niche 
in this room on the left hand side as you go in, where, tradition 
says, there was found eighteen thousand dollars concealed. At the 
end is a very peculiar niche, which is supposed to have been used 
for the dead until they were sent to their last resting place. This 
is the last room that has historical interest. In the moat facing 
the Matanzas, to the right and left on the inner sides of the bas- 
tions, are a large number of bullet holes, which were made in the 
execution of prisoners. There is no fortress in our country that 
has so quaint a history as San Juan de Pinas, San Marco and Fort 
Marion. It should be remembered that within these walls served 
some of the best and bravest of the Spanish nobility, and at its 
altar some of its best missionaries have celebrated mass and preached 
the word of our Redeemer. 

N"o one that has not visited this old fortress can conceive what 
it is. One should sit within one of its casemates and listen to the 
screech of those peculiar birds that nest and hatch their young 
within its walls — the monkey-faced owl, one of the quaintest birds 
on this continent — and view the peculiar shadows cast on its gray 
and aged walls, or from its lofty watch tower see the moon rising 
out of the broad Atlantic, casting a flood of light like burnished 
silver over the water. This is one of the few places on this conti- 
nent that takes us back to the feudal ages. On this broad terreplein 
is one of the finest promenades in the United States. WTio can 
say that this is not one of the most historical points in all our 
broad land? 



80 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Fort Marion is built on the plan of a trapezium after the 
pattern established by Marshal Vauban, of France. It has four 
bastions^, four curtains, twenty-six casemates, one magazine, four 
dungeons and two small rooms under the rampart leading to the 
terreplein, parapet and rampart, corridor, banquet, superior slope, 
scarp and counter scarp wall connects demilune and two half 
demilunes, covered way extending from the counter scarp to the 
glacis, except on the water front, which has a water battery, built 
by the United States in 1842 ; one watch tower, three sentry towers, 
two drawbridges and one portcullis. The watch tower is a higher 
elevation than the fort or any portion of the surrounding country, 
enabling the sentinel to see every vessel or person approaching, 
in time to give warning. It overlooked the Indian villages of 
Tolomato and Topiqui. The three sentry towers are at the extreme 
outer angles of the bastion, and are crenelled for riflemen to fire 
through, and to enable the sentinels to see any one approaching the 
fortress. 

The terreplein is the place where the guns are mounted. The 
Spanish guns were mounted on large field carriages. The fort has 
embrasures on three sides only. On the water front the parapet is 
lower than on the other sides, so as to allow them to bring their 
heaviest guns to bear on the water front, as they had most to fear 
from an attack by water. The parapet is the wall above the ram- 
part, and extends from the banquet to the scarp ; the superior slope 
is the top of the parapet, with a fall of one foot in five ; the cordon 
is a coping of dressed stone projecting eight inches from the face 
of the scarp; it is rounded, so as to leave no sharp corners that a 
hook might catch hold on, and to increase the difficulty in scaling; 
it gives the scarp a finished appearance; the scarp wall inclines in 
from the ground to the rampart, with a slope of one-fifth ; the mag- 
istral is where the face of the scarp meets the under surface of the 
cordon. From this line all distances are measured; it is the most 
important line about the work. The counter scarp is the face wall 
of the moat; the water runs into the moat at high tide and runs 
out at low tide. During the Spanish occupation there were auto- 
matic gates that opened when the tide came in and closed when it 
started out, thus retaining the water. The cunette is the center of 
the moat, with the earth sloping to it in a regular grade to carry 
the water away. The quadrangle, or interior court, is one hundred 
feet square; the terreplein is thirty-eight feet wide; there are four 
bastions, one at each corner, which enables the defense to concen- 
trate the fire of a whole front on any point within range, and also 
to sweep its own moats. The line of the fronts is broken up into 



Ponce de Leon Land. 81 

a number of lines in a i^eculiar jnanner, and the result is what is 
known as a bastion front. 

The demilune is V-shaped, the salient of which is toward the 
middle of the south curtain, and protects the entrance. It has a 
moat surrounding it. The walls are several feet lower than the 
main work. The two sides are called faces; the interior is called 
the gorge of the demilune. There are two half demilunes, one on 
the north and one on the west curtains. 

Places of Arms. — To make a sortie, with any chance of suc- 
cess, troops must be assembled in considerable numbers, and col- 
lumns of attack must be organized as close to the enemy as 
possible without discovery. There are two places on each front 
for such assemblies: (1) The salient place of arms; (2) the 
right re-entering place of arms; (3) the left re-entering place of 
arms. 

The salient place of arms is the part of the covered way in 
the angle immediately in front of the salient of the demilune. 

The right re-entering place of arms is where the covered way 
in front of the right face of the demilune meets the covered way 
of the main work. There both covered ways are widened consider- 
ably, and the quadrangle (four-sided space) thus obtained is the 
right re-entering place of arms. 

The left re-entering place of arms occupies a similar position 
in front of the left face of the demilune. 

A salient angle is an angle that projects outward ; a re-entering 
angle is an angle that projects inward. 

The glacis is to protect the scarp wall as much as possible from 
an enemy's fire. It is a mass of earth thrown up outside the cov- 
ered way, and sloping with the same inclination as the superior 
slope of the parapet of the main work. To the gunner looking 
over the parapet of the main work this slope should look like a con- 
tinuation of the superior slope. The glacis extends outward always 
at the same inclination until it meets the natural surface of the 
ground upon which the fort is built. The crest, or highest point of 
the glacis, is on the side of the covered way, where it ends abruptly 
in a wall of masonry, just like a parapet. 

The main gate, or entrance, is in the middle of the south cur- 
tain. 



83 Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHAPTER XXVIL 

THE BESIEGING ARMY.— When it has heen determined to 
reduce a fortified place by regular approaches an army is toled 
off for the work. The army should consist of infantry, cav- 
alry, field artillery, siege artillery and engineer troops, and should 
be sufficiently strong for the work it has to do, for not only must 
it be able to execute all the siege operations required, but at the same 
time to repel any possible sorties from the garrison and to 
stand off any outside army that might attempt to raise the siege. 

Strength of the Besieging Army. — This will vary with 
circumstances. As a rule, however, experience has shown that 6,500 
infantry per mile of investments are none too many in a siege of 
first-class importance. 

Field Artillery. — The number of field guns required de- 
pends upon the number and character of the infantry troops. The 
better the infantry the fewer field guns are needed. On an average, 
five guns per thousand infantry ought to be enough. 

Cavalry. — Cavalry are indispensable in siege operations. The 
country behind the besieging army, in all directions, must be con- 
stantly scouted and thoroughly picketed during the siege, and 
should a relieving army show itself anywhere within threatening- 
distance, contact with it must be maintained by cavalry troops and 
the commanding general kept fully informed of all its movements. 
As it is not unlikely that a portion of the besieging army will be 
called upon to join battle with the relieving army during the prog- 
ress of the siege, the former should have at least the usual propor- 
tion of cavalry — say from one-eighth to one-fifth the number of its 
infantry. 

The Corps of Observation. — Is that portion of the besieging 
army detached to watch the movements of a relieving force, and to 
fight if necessary. 

Siege Artillery. — Siege guns in sufficient numbers, and ar- 
tillerymen to serve them, should be on hand, or within easy reach, 
before siege operations are undertaken. There is no fixed rule as 
to the number and caliber of guns required, unless it be "more the 
better." The greater the number of guns in action the easier it is 
to maintain an overwhelming fire with the accuracy which requires 
deliberation. There is economy in it. The Germans had 200 rifled 
siege guns and 88 mortars at the siege of Strasburg, and they could 
have used more to advantage. 

The Investment. — The investment should be sudden and 
complete. The cavalry of the besieging army, supported by the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 83 

corps of observation, advances rapidly, drives the enemy inside the 
works, capturing as many prisoners as possible, and seizing all the 
roads and bypaths leading into it. The main body of the besieging 
army follows the corps of observation. 

The Camps. — Having got as close to the work as it is safe to 
go, the besieging army is distributed in convenient positions on all 
sides of the work, where camps are established facing outward and 
out of sight of the enemy. The camp faces outward — that is, away 
from the work — because any serious attack must come from that 
direction. 

The Line of Circumvallation. — As the greatest danger to 
the besieging army is apt to come from the outside, it first fortifies 
itself in that direction. After the camps are established, facing 
outward as already said, a line of entrenchments is thrown up about 
100 yards in front of the camp. Of course, due advantage is 
taken of all the natural features of the ground. Commanding 
points — key points, as they are called — will be crowned with re- 
doubts, armed with field artillery, and joined to each other by an 
ordinary trench for riflemen. 

The Line of Countervallation. — In rear of camps — that 
is, toward the work — another line of entrenchments is thrown up. 
This will be about the same distance in rear as the line of circum- 
vallation is in front of the camp, with such variation as the features 
of the ground may demand. The two lines are exactly alike, so far 
as their construction is concerned. The keypoints are crowned 
with redoubts armed with artillery and connected by rifle trenches. 
This new line of entrenchments is called the line of countervalla- 
tion. 

Of course, the line of countervallation, being intended to stop 
any sortie from the work which might succeed in getting so far, 
will be constructed on ground best suited for that purpose. Still, it 
is not wise to have it too far away from the outer line. Any des- 
perate attempt to raise the siege will consist of attack from both 
directions and it is an advantage to be able to rapidly reinforce one 
line from the other. Care should l)e taken, however, that the line 
should not be placed so that an enemy in front of one could take 
the other in reverse. 

The Survey. — While the camps, roads and lines are being 
constructed an accurate survey of the work and its surrounding's 
is made, and a plan thereof prepared for the information "of the 
commanding general. This plan should show the position of the 
salients and as many of the details of the work as can be accurately 
ascertained, especially on the fronts selected for attacks. The plan 



84 Ponce de Leon Land. 

should show such interior features of the works as have been ascer- 
tained to exist. 

Siege Material. — When the camps, roads and lines have been 
completed, the besieging army is set to work preparing and col- 
lecting siege material. Gabions, fascines, faggots and sap rollers 
are made ; logs are cut, hewed and hauled ; siege guns and mortars, 
ammunition, intrenching tools and stores are brought up; work- 
shops, storehouses and magazines are built; necessary roads are 
made, and everything done that can in any way help along the siege 
when it is once begun. 

Gabions. — A gabion is a rough cylindrical wickerwork basket, 
open at both ends. It is two feet in diameter, and two feet nine 
inches high. Gabions are needed in immense quantities during 
the siege. They are made by the troops. If there be any woods 
in the vicinity of the camps, soldiers may provide themselves with 
the necessary material; if not, material is brought to the camps in 
wagons. The material consists of stakes or pickets three feet long 
and about one inch in diameter, and wattling twigs not quite so 
thick as the pickets, but as long as can be procured. 

To Make a Gabion. — A directing circle, which the soldiers 
make for themselves, and a hatchet, are all the tools required. The 
directing circle consists of two concentric hoops, the minor one 
two feet in diameter, and the outer one four inches larger. Three 
blocks, two inches thick, are inserted between the hoops and lashed 
securely in position by means of pack thread. In making the gabion 
the flirecting circle is laid on the ground and seven or nine 
pickets are driven at equal distance apart in the open ring space 
of the directing circle. These pickets are the ribs of the gabion. 
Wlien pickets are all driven the directing circle is slipped up about 
half way to the top of the pickets and the upper half of the gabion 
is completed by wattling twiggs between the pickets until the rough 
basket work reaches nearly to the top of the stakes. The gabion 
is then turned upside down, the directing circle is removed, the 
other half of the gabion is wattled in as before, and the gabion is 
complete. 

Fascines are bundles of twigs nine inches in diameter and ten 
feet long, firmly bound at intervals with wire, spun yarn or tough 
withes. When withes are used for binding their pliability can be 
increased by warming over a flame immediately before using them. 
Fascines are also made by the troops. The tools required are a 
fascine horse, a fascine chocker and .a hatchet. The horse and the 
chocker are made by the men. 

A fascine horse is made by driving stakes obliquely in the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 85 

ground in pairs, the stakes crossing each other ahout two feet 
above the ground, thus making something like an improvised 
sawbuck ten feet long. The pairs of stakes should be two feet 
apart, 

A fascine chocker is simply two stakes or handspikes and a 
piece of rope, with loops at the end sufficiently long to go around 
the loose bundles of twigs, which, when chocked, bound and 
trimmed, becomes a fascine. 

To make the fascine, lay a sufficient number of twigs length- 
wise in the fascine horse, chock and bind at intervals of two feet, 
and then trim the ends. 

Fagots are bundles of twigs nine inches in diameter and two 
feet nine inches long. They are bound in the same way as fascines, 
around a central stake, which projects six inches at each end. 
One end of this stake is sharpened, the other serves as a handle. 

A sap roller is simply an enormous gabion, four feet four 
inches in diameter and seven feet six inches long, and stuffed with 
short fascines. It is used in running a full sap. 

Planning Approaches. — While the work above described is 
going on, the commanding general, assisted by the. proper staff 
officers, and the plan of work already described, selects the bastion 
to be attacked and plans the approaches. He selects sites for the 
artillery park, the magazines, the engineering depot and the bat- 
teries. In short, he lays down the siege operations on paper. 

The Artillery Park. — The artillery park is the ground ar- 
senal of the siege. It should be established at some place where it 
will be safely hidden and convenient. It is fenced in with a close 
board fence, at least eight feet high, is guarded and occupied by 
artillery troops, and it contains artillery storerooms, magazines, 
wheelwright shops, blacksmith shops, saddlers' shops, and carpen- 
ter shops. The magazine should be carefully separated from the 
rest of the park, and every precaution should be taken to prevent 
fire, or to extinguish it promptly should it break out anywhere. 
The artillery park is kept as secret as possible. No one is allowed 
to enter without proper authority. Its business offices are situated 
some distance from the park. Orders for supplies are delivered to 
the guard at the gate, and stores or ammunition are delivered to 
applicants at the same place. Only the artillery troops on duty at 
the park are permitted to enter. 

The Engineering Depot. — The engineering depot is an en- 
closure somewhat similar to the artillery park. It contains the 
entrenching tools, engineering instruments, materials for a siege, 
and is occupied by engineer troops. 



86 Ponce de Leon Land. 

The First Parallel. — "When the artillery park and engin- 
eering depot are finished and stocked with at least ten days' 
supply the plan of the siege completed, the first parallel is es- 
tablished. 

Tracing the Parallel. — The first parallel is traced by the 
engineers in the trenches. A dark night is selected; a foggy day 
would answer the purpose better. The engineer of the trenches, 
with a plan of the approaches in his hand, and accompanied by the 
necessary assistants, finds his way to the middle point of the par- 
allel. This point has been previously determined and marked thus 
X on the plan. From that point he starts an assistant to run the 
right half and another to run the left half of the parallel. He 
sees that these assistants start, each with the correct bearing of his 
branch. Guided by the compasses, these assistants march slowly 
along the line of the parallel, followed by a man carrying a tape 
reel. The ends of the tape have been made fast to the initial point, 
and the tape on each reel is the exact length of the half-parallel. 
The tape is ordinary white tape, about three-quarters of an inch in 
width. As it runs off the reel it is permitted to lie on the ground, 
and is distinctly visible, even in the darkness. When the tape is all 
paid out the engineers know that they have reached the end of the 
first parallel, and the ends are made fast. 

The First Guard of the Trenches. — WTiile the first paral- 
lel is being traced a guard of sufficient strength to occupy the par- 
allel from end to end is drawn up in line some distance behind the 
line of the parallel. The men are instructed to advance directly to 
their front in perfect silence to, and twenty yards beyond, the white 
tape, and there to lie down and watch. They are the guard of the 
trenches. 

The Working Party. — A working party of sufficient strength 
to occupy the parallel at one yard intervals is assembled at the en- 
gineer depot at a short time before dark, and provided with in- 
trenching tools. They are deployed at dusk in rear of the ground 
first occupied by the guard of the trenches, and instructed to fol- 
low the guard in its advance until they come to the white tape, 
and there to dig. throwing the dirt toward the enemy. By daylight 
a good serviceable trench will be thrown up forming the first par- 
allel. 

Enfilading Batteries — First Parallel. — Before the ap- 
proaches can be driven forward it is necessary that the artillery fire 
of certain faces of the work be subdued. For this purpose enfilad- 
ing batteries are constructed. The faces to be subdued are those 
of the attacked bastion and the inner faces of the adjacent demi- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 87 

lunes. The enfilading batteries of the first parallel are placed so 
as to sweep these faces. On the plan jSTos. 1 and 3 on the right of 
the parallel enfilades the inner face of the left adjacent demilune, 
Nos. 5 and 7 the right face of the attacked bastion. On the left 
parallel ISTos. 3 and 4 enfilade the inner face of the right adjacent 
demilune, and 6 and 8 the left face of the attacked bastion. Each 
battery should contain four siege guns. The positions for these 
batteries are selected during the day and the batteries carefully 
staked out. At night they are thrown up by artillery troops, and 
the platforms are laid and the guns placed in position. On the 
morning of the second day then eight batteries of the first parallel, 
containing thirty-two siege guns, should be ready for action. If 
it be deemed advisable, more batteries may be constructed. There 
is room for any number of them. 

Mortar Batteries. — First Parallel. — In order to annoy 
the besieged garrison, to break up its bombproof shelters and gen- 
erally demolish the protections, and, if possible, blow up its mag- 
azines, a number of mortar batteries are constructed in front of the 
first parallel. The heaviest mortars are placed so as to fire along 
the capitals of the attacked bastions, and adjacent demilunes. Thus 
eight mortar batteries are placed on the line a h, four on 
c d, and four on e f, and, as each battery should contain four 
mortars, there would be sixty-four mortars in front of the first 
parallel. 

These mortar batteries are constructed by artillery troops dur-. 
ing the second night of the siege. They should be sunken batteries, 
so as to mask the fire of the parallels, and they should all be ready 
to open the second morning. 

Road-Making. — During the first day the working party on 
duty perfects and completes the first parallel, dig the necessary 
drains and ditches, and makes a good macadamized road in the bot- 
tom of the trench throughout the whole extent of the parallel. 
Other working parties build roads, Wm macadamized, connecting 
the approaches with the artillery park. x\ll the roads should be 
finished before night. The batteries on the right of the parallel 
have exclusive use of the left road. The mortar batteries must use 
the middle road. 

Tpie First Bombardment. — On the second morning of the 
siege fire should be opened from every gun and mortar in position, 
each battery directing its fire upon its assigned target, and the 
fire should be kept up until the guns of the works on the face at- 
tacked are practically silenced. It is not to be assumed that the 
casualties will be on one side during this bombardment. Guns and 



88 Ponce de Leon Land. 

carriages will be disabled in the siege batteries as well as in the 
work. But the besiegers are better prepared to replace guns than 
the garrison. A number of guns stand ready near the siege bat- 
teries, under the shelter of the parallel, and whenever a gun is dis- 
abled another is run forward to displace it, and the fire is delayeyd 
but a few minutes. Disabled guns and material are immediately 
sent back to the artillery park, strong detachments of park artil- 
lerymen being always on hand near the batteries for this kind of 
work. 

EoAD Eegulations. — The road from the artillery park to the 
batteries must always be kept open for traffic. To this end every- 
body connected with the siege must confine themselves strictly to 
their allotted roads. Infantry troops, ambulances, and all sup- 
plies other than artillery material and ammunition, should never 
use the artillery roads, and the rule, "keep to the right," should be 
strictly enforced on all roads. 

The Approaches. — Three approaches are driven forward from 
the first parallel on the third night of the siege; one along the 
capital of the attacked bastion, and one along the capital of each 
adjacent demilune. They are known as the right, left and center 
attack, according to their position in line. These approaches are 
not driven straight along the capital, as that would expose them to 
a sweeping fire from the work. To avoid such an enfilade they 
zigzag like a ship beating to windward, and never present an end 
to any portion of the besieged work. The rule is that the prolonga- 
tion of every branch of the approaches must pass in front of every 
salient of the besieged work. 

\YoRKiNG Parties. — The approaches are driven forward by 
working parties detailed by company from the infantry of the be- 
sieging army, in such numbers as the engineer of the trenches may 
require. Batteries and artillery communications are made and re- 
paired by artillery troops assigned to that work by the chief of ar- 
tillery. The tour of duty for working parties should be eight hours. 
The reliefs on duty during the night drive the approaches as far 
forward as practicable, doing the work in the rough as it were. 
Those on duty during the day deepen and widen the trench, attend 
to its drainage and construct a good, practicable macadamized road 
along it. The road and the drainage are very important features. 
If they be neglected the trench is apt to become an impassable 
quagmire. It must be remembered that the approaches are the 
great highways of the siege, and that there is a constant stream of 
heavy traffic passing along them to and from the front. 

The Simple Trench. — As long as the danger from the 



Ponce de Leon Land. 89 

enemy's fire is inconsiderable — that is, at long range — the ap- 
proaches are driven forward by means of the simple trench; that 
is, the men distribute themselves on the line marked out, and cover 
themselves as quickly as possible by digging and throwing the earth 
toward the enemy. The trench should be at least five feet deep 
and nine feet wide at the bottom. No gabions should be used in its 
construction. 

Tracing the Approaches. — The engineer of the trenches 
sees that sufficient work is laid out for every working party in ad- 
vance. He has an assistant with each party, and it is his duty to 
trace the approaches. This is done by stretching a white tape 
along the line of the approach. The men of the working party, if 
the advance be by means of the simple trench, arrange themselves 
along the tape and dig, throwing the earth over the tape in the di- 
rection of the enemy. As a rule, the simple trench can be used up 
to the second parallel. 

Guarding the Working Parties. — While working parties 
always have their arms stacked within reach, and are ready in some 
measure to defend themselves in case of attack, still a strong guard 
is always necessary to protect not only the workmen, but their work. 
The force thus employed is known as the guard of the trenches. It 
is detailed by battalions, the roster being kept at the headquarters 
of the besieging army; and its tour of duty is twenty-four hours. 
A sufficient number of battalions are detailed to completely occupy 
the parallel, and, in addition, several field batteries and battalions 
of cavalry are detailed to cover flanks. These take up a convenient 
position, hidden from the enemy, outside of and some distance be- 
hind the batteries, on the flank of the first parallel. While the 
approaches are being driven forward from the first parallel the 
guard of the trenches occupy the parallel. 

The Second Parallel. — The working parties in the ap- 
proaches are safe from attack as long as they are nearer the guards 
in the parallel than the enemy in his outworks but in course of 
time they get so far to the front that they are liable to be jumped 
on by a sortie before the guard can come to their assistance. To 
avoid this danger the second parallel is constructed at a point a 
little short of the danger point — that is, less than half-way to the 
enemy's nearest outwork. There is no regulation distance between 
parallels. 

The second parallel is similar to the first, but shorter, so that 
the flanks of the parallel are covered by fire from the first parallel, 
and the artillery fire from the enfilading batteries will pass outside 
its extremities. If the work on the approaches has progressed fa- 



90 Ponce de Leon Land. 

vorably the second parallels should be thrown up on the fifth night 
of the siege. The guard of the trenches move into it before day- 
light on the fifth morning. Still work continues on it after its 
occupation until it becomes a safe, serviceable and convenient ave- 
nue of communication and lodgment of troops. To enable the 
guard of the trenches to advance promptly over the parallel against 
any sortie that may be sent out by the besieged garrison, the side 
of the trench toward the enemy and the interior slope of the parapet 
are cut into steps and riveted with fascines. 

Batteries of the Second Parallel. — To help the batteries 
of the first parallel in finishing the work assigned to them, and also 
to counterbatter the curtains and inner face of the collateral bas- 
tions, batteries are constructed on the flanks of the second parallel 
similar to those on the flank of the first. These batteries should 
be so placed as not to mask the fire of the batteries of the first 
parallel. The batteries of the second parallel may be armed with 
guns and mortars of smaller caliber than those of the first. 

Breaching the Demilune. — Before the introduction of rifled 
cannon it was necessary to drive forward the approaches to the very 
crest of the glacis and there establish batteries to breach the scarp. 
But this is no longer necessary. Indeed, a breach can be made at 
one mile range with greater facility than at shorter ranges, and 
the work might be done at still greater distances. If, therefore, 
the first parallel has been established within 2,000 yards of the 
works, the batteries of that parallel will be favorably situated for 
breaching batteries. If, however, the first parallel was established 
at a greater distance, say 3,000 yards, then the breaching batteries 
would be on the second parallel. The batteries on the first parallel 
are within easy breaching distance. 

AVhen the guns on the faces of the attacked bastions and those 
on the inner faces of the adjacent demilunes have all been silenced, 
and the fire from other parts of the works is well under control, 
the two demilunes are subjected to a steady shower of shell from 
the mortars in the first and second parallels. This fire is intended 
to drive the enemy out of the demilune and its covered way and 
places of arms, and should be kept up night and day. Meantime 
the batteries of the second parallel are assigned the duty of 
keeping down the fire of the work and preventing repairs, and 
the batteries of the first parallel prepare to breach the demi- 
lunes. 

The Third Parallel. — Assuming that the second parallel 
was established about 1.200 yards from, the work, further ap- 
proaches by means of simple trench will be too dangerous and re- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 91 

sort must be had to the flying sap. The flying sap is the simple 
trench plus a pair of gabions. The approaches having been traced 
with tape as before, each man of the working party at the head of 
the sap provides himself with a couple of gabions. These he car- 
ries, one on each side, by passing the handle of his pick through 
one and the handle of his shovel through the other, the lower edge 
of the gabions resting on the shovel and the pick. At the word, 
perhaps a dozen men so equipped rush forward, plant their gabions 
on the enemy's side of the tape, and fill them with earth as fast as 
possible. When the gabions are filled the digger has tolerable 
shelter, and proceeds with his work more leisurely. Such method 
is not free from danger, but as the work is done at night, and the 
men need not all rush forward at the same time, the danger is not 
very great, and is more than counterbalanced by the celerity of the 
operation. 

The third and all subsequent parallels are constructed in the 
same way as the second, special care being given to the steps in the 
parapet and trench. These parallels are merely lodgments for 
troops, and they are constructed with that purpose in view. 

The Full Sap. — Beyond the third parallel it may be found 
necessary to resort to the full sap, or rather a modification of that 
contrivance. The sap roller should not be necessary as the head 
of the sap is not exposed to any direct fire. But modern arms and 
modern marksmanship are such that the flying sap will have to be 
abandoned when the third parallel is reached. The full sap, minus 
the sap roller, should be run by trained men, called sappers. Eight 
sappers constitute a brigade, or rather the brigade consists of four 
sappers and four assistants. 

No. 1 sapper stands in the trench already dug, and, well cov- 
ered by the gabion and parapet already constructed, tosses another 
gabion into position, and fills it by throwing the earth forward into 
it. When the gabion is filled he gives place to N"o. 2 sapper, who 
continues the digging, throwing the earth over the gabion until he 
is exhausted. Nos. 3 and 4 follow in the same way, and then the 
assistants take up the work, widening and deepening the trench, 
while No. 1 fills another gabion. In this way the sap can be ad- 
vanced at the rate of two feet in ten minutes without much danger. 
Of course, the approaches are not complete when the assistant sap- 
pers are through with it. The regular working party completes it 
in the usual way. 

In this way the approaches are driven forward, and parallel 
after parallel is constructed until assaulting distance is reached. 
Assaulting distance is about fifty yards. 



92 Ponce de Leon Land. 

"Wlien the last parallel is finished and occupied, the demilunes 
are breached, batteries 1, 3, 5 and 7 direct their fire upon the scarp 
of the demilune on their side immediately behind the poncoupes^ 
marked X in plan. Batteries 2, 4, 6 and 8 direct their fire on 
the scarp of the other demilune in a similar manner. Batteries 
9, 11, 13 and 15 counterbatter and keep down the fire of the main 
work in their front, and batteries 10, 12, 14 and 16 do the same 
for their front. The gunners are guided by observers in the paral- 
lel nearest the work, receiving reports by telegraph, telephone or 
signal. A practical breach should be effected in a few hours. 

Breaching the Main Work. — AA^en the demilunes have 
been breached, the breaching batteries turn their attention to the 
attacked bastion, directing their fire on its salient, in accordance 
with the report of the observer in the nearest papallel. This sa- 
lient, being subjected to a cross fire from all the batteries in the par- 
allel, will be breached in a very short time. Meantime the demi- 
lunes should have been assaulted and carried, and the infantry 
should be ready to storm the breach in the attacked bastion the 
moment it becomes practicable. 

The artillery operations subsequent to breaching the attacked 
bastion will vary in each siege. The fire of the work must be kept 
down, and every breach must be prepared for assault by showers of 
shell from the mortars upon the position immediately behind the 
breach and wherever the defenders may be supposed to find lodg- 
ment. Should the demilunes or bastions be found to be retrenched, 
the entrenchments must be siibjected to a vertical and curved fire 
until they are finally assaulted and carried. Machine guns will 
no doubt play a prominent part on both sides during the later 
stages of the conflict. 



CHAPTEE XXYIII. 



THE Province of Florida was ceded to England by treaty in 1763. 
The Spanish inhabitants very generally left the country, 
which had been under Spanish rule for nearly two hundred 
years, and certainly in no portion of this country had less progress 
been made. Beyond the walls occupied by its garrison little had 
been attempted or accomplished in these two hundred years. This 
was in part attributable to the circumstances of the country, the 
frequent hostility of the Indians and the want of that material sup- 
port given by neighborhoods, which in Florida are less practicable 



Ponce de Leon Land. 93 

than elsewhere ; but it was still more owing to the character of the 
Spanish inhabitants, who were more soldiers than civilians, and 
more townsmen than agriculturists; at all events, at the cession 
of Florida to Great Britain the number of inhabitants was not over 
five thousand. The English Governor made several extensive im- 
provements. During their occupation they constructed large bar- 
racks for troops and a bridge across the St. Sebastian. It is stated 
the number of inhabitants of East Florida, which in those days 
meant mostly St. Augustine, from 1663 to 1771 was as follows: 
Householders, besides women, two hundred and eighty-eight; im- 
ported by Mr. Turnbull, from Minorca, one thousand four hun- 
dred; negroes, upward of nine hundred; of the white heads of 
families, one hundred and forty-four were married, which was 
just one-half; thirty-one were storekeepers and traders, three hab- 
erdashers, fifteen inn-keepers, forty-five artificers and mechanics, 
one hundred and ten planters, four hunters, six cowkeepers, 
eleven overseers, and twelve draftsmen in the employ of the 
government, besides mathematicians; fifty-eight had left the 
province, twenty-eight died, of whom four acting as constables, 
were killed; two were hanged for piracy. Among the names of 
those then residing in East Florida were Sir Charles Burdet, Wil- 
liam Drayton, planter, Chief Justice; Eev. John Forbes, parson, 
Judge of Admiralty and Counsellor; Rev. M. Eraser, parson at 
Mosquit ; Governor James Grant, Honorable John Moultrie, planter 
and Lieutenant-Governor; William Stark, Esq., historian; Andrew 
Turnbull, Esq., His Majesty's Counsellor ; Barnard Romans, drafts- 
man; William Bartram, planter, and James Moultrie, Esq. 

The lighthouse on Anastasia Island had been constructed of 
coquina by the Spaniards. In 1769, by order of General Haldiman, 
it was raised sixty feet higher, with frame work ; and had a cannon 
planted on top, which was fired the moment the flag was hoisted for 
a signal to the town and pilots that a vessel was in sight. The 
lighthouse had two flagstaflPs, one to the south and one to the north ; 
on either of which the flag was hoisted, to the south if the vessel was 
coming from there, and to the north if the vessel was coming from 
that direction. 

The town is one of the healthiest in the United States. It is 
nearly surrounded by salt water, with plenty of fruit, figs, guavas, 
plantains, pomegranates, lemons, limes, citrons, shaddocks, berga- 
mot, China and Seville oranges, the latter full of fruit through the 
winter. On the third of January, 1776, the thermometer sank to 
26 degrees, with the wind from the northwest. The ground was 
frozen an inch deep. This was the fatal night that destroyed the 



94 Ponce de Leon Land. 

lime, citrus and banana trees in St. Augustine. In 1740 there was 
a snow storm, and again in 1836. It did no damage. 

Dr. Nicholas Turnbull, in 1767, associated with Sir William 
Duncan and other Englishmen of note, projected a colony of Eu- 
ropean emigrants to be settled at New Smyrna. He brought from 
the islands of Greece, Corsica and Minorca some fourteen hundred 
persons, agreeing to convey them free of expense, finding them in 
clothing and provisions, and at the end of three years to give fifty 
acres of land to each head of a family and twenty-five to each child. 
After a long passage they arrived and founded the settlement. The 
principal article of cultivation was indigo, which commanded a 
high price at that time, and was assisted by a bounty from the Eng- 
lish government. 

After a few years, Turnbull, as it is alleged, either from ava- 
rice or naturally evil mind, assumed control the most absolute over 
these colonies, and practiced cruelties most painful to them. 

An insurrection took place in 1769 among them, in consequence 
of severe punishment, which was speedily repressed, and the leaders 
brought to trial before the court at St. Augustine. Eive of the 
number were convicted and sentenced to death. Governor Grant 
pardoned two of the five, and a third was released upon the condition 
of his becoming the executioner of the other two. Nine years after 
the commencement of their settlement their number had become re- 
duced from one thousand four hundred to six hundred. In 1776 
proceedings were instituted in their behalf by Mr. Younge, the 
Attorney-General of the province, which resulted in their being 
exonerated from the contract with Turnbull; and they were there- 
upon assigned to the northern part of the city, which was princi- 
pally built up by them, and their descendants at the present day 
form the largest part of the population of the place. 

Governor Grant was the first English Governor, and was a 
gentleman of much energy. During his term of office he projected 
many great and permanent improvements in the province. 

The public road, known as the King's road, from St. iVugustine 
to Smyrna, and from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, and thence to 
Colerayne, was then constructed, and remains a lasting monument 
of his wisdom and desire for improvement. 

Governor Tanyn succeeded Governor Grant, and a legislative 
council was authorized to assemble, and a pretense and form of a 
constitutional government were gone through with. 

In August, 1775, a British vessel called the Betsy, Captain 
Lofthous, from London, with one hundred and eleven barrels of 
powder, was captured off the bar of St. Augustine by an American 



Ponce de Leon Land. 95 

privateer from Charlsetown, very much to the disgust and annoy- 
ance of the British authorities. 

At this period St. Augustine assumed much importance as a 
depot and poi7it d'appui for the British forces in their operations 
against the Southern States, and very considerable forces were, at 
times, assembled here. 

The expedition of General Provost against Savannah was or- 
ganized and embarked from St. Augustine in 1777. Sixty of the 
besi citizens of Carolina were seized by the British in 1780 and 
transported to St. Augustine as prisoners of war and hostages, 
among whom were Arthur Middleton, Edward Rutledge, General 
Gadsden and Mr. Calhoun. All were put upon parole, except Gen- 
eral Gadsden and Mr. Calhoun, who refused this indulgence and 
were committed to the fort, where they remained months close 
prisoners. General Rutherford and Colonel Isaacs of ISTorth Caro- 
lina were committed to the fort also. 

An expedition was fitted out from St. Augustine in 1783 to 
act against New Providence, under Colonel Devereux. With very 
slender means, that able officer succeeded in capturingand reducing 
the Bahamas, which have since remained under English domina- 
tion. 

The expense of supporting the government of East Florida 
during the English occupation was very considerable, amounting to 
the sum of £123,000. The exports of Florida in 1778 amounted to 
£48,000, and in 1772 the province exported forty thousand pounds 
of indigo, and in 1782 twenty thousand barrels of turpentine. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



IN June, 1783, in fulfillment of a treaty between England and 
Spain, Florida, after twenty years of British occupation, was 

re-ceded to the Spanish Crown, and taken possession of by Gov- 
ernor Zespedez. 

The English residents generally left the country and went 
either to the Bahamas, or Jamaica, or the United States. Those who 
went to the British islands were almost ruined, but those who set- 
tled in the United Staese were more successful. 

In April, 1793, the present Catholic Church was commenced, 
the previous church having been in another portion of the city. It 
was constructed under the direction of Don Mariana de la Rocque 
and Don P. Berrio, government engineer officers. The cost of the 



96 Ponce de Leon Land. 



church was $16,650, of which about $6,000 was received from the 
proceeds of the material and ornaments of the old church, about 
$1,000 from contributions of the inhabitants, and the remaining 
$10,000 was furnished by the government. One of its four bells has 
the following inscription, showing it to be the oldest bell in the 
country. The inscription is: "Saint Joseph Ora Pro Nobis D., 
1682." 

In the spring of 1818, General Jackson made his celebrated 
incursion into Florida, and by a series of energetic movements fol- 
lowed the Seminoles and Creeks to their fastnesses and forever 
crushed the power of these formidable tribes for offensive opera- 
tions. 

In the latter part of 1817, a revolutionary party took posses- 
sion of Amelia Island and raised a soi-disant patriotic flag at Per- 
nandina, supported mainly in the enterprise by adventures from the 
United States. McGregor was assisted by officers of the United 
States army. An expedition was sent from St. Augustine by the 
Spanish government to eject the invaders, which failed. 

One Aury, an English adventurer, for a time held command 
there, and also a Mr. Hubbard, formerly sheriff of New York, who 
was the civil governor, and died there. The United States troops 
eventually interferred. Negotiations for the cession of Florida put 
a stop to further hostilities. 

The King of Spain, finding his possessions in Florida utterly 
worthless to his crown and only an expense to sustain the garrison, 
while the repeated attempts to disturb its political relations pre- 
vented any beneficial progress toward its settlement, gladly agreed, 
in 1819, to a transfer of Florida to the United States for five mil- 
lions of dollars. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



ON" the 10th of July, in the year 1821, the standard of Spain, 
which had been raised two hundred and fifty-six years before 
over St. Augustine, was finally lowered forever from the walls 
over which it had so long fluttered. The Stars and Stripes of the 
youngest of nations rose, where sooner or later the hand of destiny 
would assuredly have placed it. 

It was intended that the change of flags should take place on 
the Fourth of July. Owing to a detention this was frustrated, but 



Ponce de Leon Land. 97 

the inhabitants celebrated the Fourth with a handsome public ball 
at the Governor's house. 

The Spanish garrison and officers connected with it returned to 
Cuba, and also some of the Spanish families, but the larger portion 
of the inhabitants remained. A considerable influx of inhabitants 
from the adjoining States took place, and the town speedily assumed 
an American character. The proportion of American population 
since the change of flags has been about one-third. Most of the 
native inhabitants converse with equal fluency in either language. 

In the year 1823, the Legislative Council of Florida held itn 
second session in the government house at St. Augustine. Governor 
W. P. Duval was the first Govei-nor after the organization of the. 
territory. 

In December, 1835, the war with the Seminole Indians broke 
out, and for some years St. Augustine was full of the pomp and cir- 
cumstance of war. It was dangerous to venture beyond the gates, 
and many sad scenes of Indian cruelty took place in the neighbor' 
hood of the city. 

The extensive barracks built during the English occupation 
were destroyed by fire in 1792, The Franciscan Convent was occu- 
pied, as it had been before, as a barracks for the troops not garri- 
soned in the fort. The appearance of these buildings has been much 
changed by the extensive repairs and alterations made by the 
United States government. It had formerly a large circular look- 
out, from which a beautiful view of the surrounding country was 
obtained. Its walls are among the oldest in the city. 

The present postoffice building was the residence of the Spanish 
Governor. It has been rebuilt by the United States; its former 
quaint and interesting appearance has been lost in removing its bal- 
conies and the handsome gateway, which is said to have been a fine 
specimen of Doric architecture. 

Trinity Episcopal Church was consecrated in 1833 by Bishop 
Bowen, of South Carolina. The Presbyterian Church was built in 
1830 and the Methodist Chapel about 1840. The venerable building 
on the bay, on the corner of Green Lane and Bay street, is considered 
one of the oldest buildings in the city, and has evidently been a 
fine building in its day. It was the residence of the Attorney-Gen- 
eral in English times. 

The monument on the public square was erected in 1812, upon 
the information of the adoption of the Spanish Constitution, as a 
memorial of that event, in pursuance of a royal order to that effect 
directed to the public authorities of all the provincial towns. The 
plan was made by the father of the late General Hernandez. A 



98 Ponce de Leon Land. 

short time after it was put up the Spanish Constitution having a 
downfall, orders were issued by the government that all the monu- 
ments erected to the Constitution throughout its dominions should 
be demolished. The citizens of St. Augustine were unwilling to see 
their monument torn down, and, with the passive acquiescence of the 
Governor, the marble tablet inscribed "Plaza de la Constitution" 
being removed, the monument itself was allowed to stand ; and thus 
remains the only monument in existence to commemorate the farce 
of the Constitution of 1812. In 1818 the tablet was restored without 
objection. 

The bridge and causeway are the work of the United States 
government. The present sea wall was built between 1835 and 1843 
by the United States, at an expense of one hundred thousand 
dollars. 

The house on St. Francis street, opposite the monastery build- 
ing, is considered the oldest building in the city ; it is owned by Dr. 
C. P. Carver, dentist. There was, until 1888, a peculiar date palm 
tree growing in the yard; the heavy freeze that winter killed it. 
This house gives one the idea of the style of architecture used at 
the early period of the settlement of this country. It is o^^^^ «f the 
many quaint attractions of the Ancient City. 



CHAPTEE XXXI. 



THE early history of Florida Territory soon after it came into the 
possession of the United States, being written in characters 
of blood for years, it is considered both appropriate and inter- 
esting to intersperse a sprinkling of historical facts in this work, to 
the authenticity of which some living now will testify. 

Tlie Indians were intensely opposed to emigrating West, as 
that country offered them no such means of idleness as Florida, 
where they lived with as little solicitude as the buzzards that lazily 
flew about their heads, while in Arkansas they would have to work. 
They were a race of hunters and fishermen, with no habits of in- 
dustry, gliding on the surface of lakes and rivers with as little idea 
of locating as the watery inhabitants they captured. 

The movements of the Indians and American troops, encum- 
bered with their wagons or field pieces, compared unfavorably with 
the agile foe they had to meet in warfare, who could swim the 
streams and leap over the logs of the wide forest and vanish like 



Ponce de Leon Land. 99 

the whooping crane that made its nest far from the spot where 
it dashed the dew from the flowers in the morning. 

One of the occasions of the Seminole War, like our own late 
struggle, was on account of the fugitive slaves which the Indians 
harbored instead of returning to their owners, or permitting their 
masters to come and get them. 

The following is a correct copy of an interesting document, to 
which frequent reference was made during the Florida War as a 
compact which had been violated. We have copied it as an item of 
interest. As the whites found the Indians becoming troublesome 
neighbors, this treaty was drawn up in order to rid the country 
of them ; its violation being the true cause of the war : 
"Treaty of Payne's Landing, Concluded May 9, 1832, and 
Ratified April, 1834. 

"Article I. That the Seminole Indians relinquish to the 
United States all claims to the land they at present occupy in the 
Territory of Florida, and agree to emigrate to the country assigned 
to the Creeks, west of the Mississippi river — it being understood that 
an additional extent of territory, proportioned to their number, will 
be added to the Creek territory, and that the Seminoles will be re- 
ceived as a constituent part of the Creek Nation, and be readmitted 
to all the privileges as a member of the same. 

"Article II. For and in consideration of the relinquishment 
of claim in the first article of this agreement, and in full compensa- 
tion for all the improvements which may have been made on the 
lands thereby ceded, the United States stipulates to pay to the 
Seminole Indians fifteen thousand dollars, to be divided among the 
chiefs and warriors of the several towns, in a ratio proportioned to 
their population, the respective portions of each to be paid on theii 
arrival in the country they consent to move to ; it being understood 
their faithful interpreters, Abraham and Cudjo, shall receive two 
hundred dollars each of the above sum, in full remuneration for the 
improvements to be abandoned now cultivated by them. 

"Article III. The United States agree to distribute, as they 
arrive at their homes in the Creek territory, west of the Mississippi 
river, a blanket and homespun frock to each warrior, woman and 
child of the Seminole tribe of Indians. 

"Article IV. The United States agree to extend the annuity 
for the support of a blacksmith, provided for in the sixth article 
of the treaty of Camp Moultrie, for ten years beyond the period 
therein stipulated, and in additian to the other annuities secured 
under that treaty, the United States agree to pay three thousand 
dollars a year for fifteen years, go^^encing after the removal of the 



100 PoN^CE DE Leon Lanp 

whole tribe. These sums to be added to the Creek annuities, and the 
whole sum to be divided, that the chiefs and warriors of the Semi- 
nole Indians may receive their equitable portion of the same, as 
members of the Creek confederation. 

"Article V. The United States will take the cattle belonging 
to the Seminoles at the valuation of some discreet person appointed 
by the President, and the same shall be paid for in money to the 
respective owners after their arrival at their new homes, or other 
cattle such as may be desired, will be furnished them ; notice being 
given through their agent of their wishes on the subject before 
their removal, that time may be afforded to supply the demand. 

"Article VI. The Seminoles being anxious to be relieved from 
certain vexatious demands for slaves and other property alleged to 
have been stolen and destroyed by them, so that they may remove 
to their new homes unembarrassed, the United States stipulates to 
have the same properly investigated, and to liquidate such as may 
be satisfactorily established, provided the amount does not exceed 
seven thousand dollars. 

"Article VII. The Seminole Indians will remove in three 
years after the ratification of this agreement, and the expenses of 
their removal shall be paid by the United States, and such subsist- 
ence shall also be furnished for a term not exceeding tw^elve months 
after their arrival at their new residence, as in the opinion of the 
President their numbers may require ; the emigration to commence 
as early as practicable in A. D. 1833, and with those Indians occu- 
pying the Big Swamp and other parts of the country beyond, as 
defined in the second article of the treaty, concluded at Camp 
Moultrie Creek, so that the whole of that portion of the Seminoles 
may be removed wdthin the year aforesaid, and the remainder of 
the tribe in about equal proportions during the subsequent j^ears, 
1834 and 1835. 

"Done at Camp at Payne's Landing, on the Ocklawaha river, 
in the Territory of Florida, May 9, 1832. 

"James Gadsden, 
"Commissioner, and Fifteen Chiefs. (L. S.)" 

Osceola figured very conspicuously during the early history 
of our Florida troubles. Indeed, we consider the following state- 
ments connected with his movements as items of unsurpassed inter- 
est to those who are more fond of facts without fiction than the 
wondrous legends of any day-dreamer. 

The mother of Osceola belonged to the Eed Stick tribe of 
Indians — a branch of the Creeks. She was married to Powell, who 
was an English trader among the Indians for twenty years, and for 



Ponce de Leon Land. 101 

this reason he is sometimes called Powell instead of Osceola. He 
was born in the State of Georgia, on the Tallapoosa river, about the 
year 1800. In 1808 a quarrel occurred among the Indians of the 
Creek tribe, when the mother of Osceola left, taking him with her, 
and retiring to the Okefmokee Swamp. Powell remained in Geor- 
gia with his two daughters and emigrated to the West with them. 

In 1817 Osceola retreated before General Jackson with a small 
party, and settled on Peace Creek. A few years afterward he re- 
moved to the Big Swamp, in the neighborhood of Fort King, unit- 
ing himself with the Miccosukees. The greater portion of his life 
was spent in disquietude, when there was neither peace nor war he 
committed depredations in various ways. He was opposed to the 
Payne treaty, declaring he would fight before signing it, or kill any 
of his followers who made a move toward its ratification. 

When the Indians held a council at Fort King, consisting of 
thirteen chiefs, only eight of them were willing to leave for the 
West, Hoithlee Matee, or Jumper, a sworn enemy of the whites, 
who was called "the lawyer," and for whom General Jackson had 
offered a reward of five hundred dollars, rose in the council with all 
the dignity of a Eoman orator, after which he announced his inten- 
tion in thundering tones : "I say there is no good feeling between 
Jumper and the white man. Every branch he hews from a tree 
on our soil is a limb sapped from Hoithlee's body; every drop of 
water that a white man drinks from our springs is so much blood 
from Hoithlee's heart." 

After the return of Charlie Emathla from the West, who was 
the most intelligent of their chiefs, he met the whites in council 
that he might give expression to his opinion. "Remain with us 
here," said he to the whites, "and be our father. The relation of 
parent and child to each other is peace; it is gentle as arrowroot 
and honey. The disorderly among us have committed some depre- 
dations, but no blood has been spilled. We have agreed that if we 
met a brother's blood on the road, or even found his dead body, we 
should not believe it was by human violence, but that he snagged 
his foot, or that a tree had fallen upon him; that if blood was 
spilled by either, the offender should answer for it." 

Previous to this period the Indians were lords of the soil, and 
considered themselves located in a land of undisputed title as 
entirely their own property, by right of possession, as though they 
held registered deeds. 

The following is an effort at Indian poetry, descriptive of their 
condition previous to hostile demonstrations: 



102 Ponce de Leon Land. 

"We were a happy people then, 
Rejoicing in our hunter mood ; 

No footsteps of the pale-faced men 
Had marred our solitude." 

Osceola was not tall, but of fine figure and splendid physique. 
His head was always encircled with a blue turban, surmounted by 
the waving tafa luste, or black eagle plumes, with red sash around 
his waist. He was a time-server — a self-constituted agent — and a 
dangerous enemy when enraged. In 1834 the United States Survey 
Corps, while camping at Fort King, was visited by Osceola. Fred 
L. Ming being their captain. Indians always show their friendship 
by eating with their friends. On this occasion he refused all solici- 
tations to partake of their hospitality, and sat in silence, the foam 
of rage resting in the corners of his mouth. Finally he arose to 
retire, at the same time assuming a menacing manner, and seizing 
the surveyor's chain, said: "If you cross my land I will break this 
chain in as many pieces as there are links in it, and then throw the 
pins so far you can never get them again." Like most of his race, 
he was possessed of a native eloquence, of which the following is a 
specimen, after the Payne's Landing treaty was framed and signed 
by some of the chiefs : "There is little more to be said. The people 
have agreed in council; by their chiefs they have uttered it; it is 
well ; it is the truth, and must not be broken. I speak ; what I say 
I will do ; there remains nothing worthy of words. If the hail rat- 
tles, let the flowers be crushed ; the stately oak of the forest will lift 
its head to the sky and storms, towering and unscathed." 

The whites continued to urge the stipulations of the treaty to 
be enforced, while the Indians continued opposing it in every way. 
It is the law of our nature that the weak should suspect the strong; 
for this reason the Seminoles did not regard the Creeks as their 
friends, but feared them. Captain Wiley Thompson, the agent, 
kept reminding the Indians that they made a promise to leave 
for the West. Messages were also sent to Micanopy, who, after 
much debate, said he would not go. Sometime afterward General 
Thompson ordered Oscealo to come up and sign the emigration list, 
which request moved the indignation of the savage to the highest 
pitch of desperation, and he replied: "I will not !" General Thomp- 
son then told him he had talked with the Big Chiefs in Washington, 
who would teach him better. He replied : "I care no more for Jack- 
son than for you," and rushing up to the emigration treaty as if to 
make his mark, stuck his knife through the paper. For this act of 
contempt he was seized, manacled and confined in Fort King. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 103 

When Colonel Fanning arrested him he was heard to mutter : "The 
sun is overhead; I shall remember the hour. The agent has his 
day — I will have mine." After he was first imprisoned he became 
sullen, but soon manifested signs of penitence and called the inter- 
preter, promising if his irons were taken off to come back when the 
sun was high overhead and bring him one hundred warriors to 
sign the paper, which promise was fulfilled. The great mistake was 
made in releasing him from Fort King. If he had then been sent 
West much blood and treasures would have been spared. He had 
one talk for the white man and another for the red, being a strange 
compound of duplicity and superiority. After his release he com- 
manded his warriors to have their knives in readiness, their rifles 
in order, with plenty of powder in their pouches, and commenced 
collecting a strong force, not eating or sleeping until it was done. 

The first direct demonstration of hostility was on June 19, 
1835, near what is called Hogg's Town settlement, at which time 
one Indian was killed, another fatally injured; also, three whites 
wounded. The fray commenced by some whites whipping a party 
of five Indians, whom they caught in the act of stealing. Private 
Dalton, a dispatch rider, was killed August 11, 1835, while carrying 
the mail from Fort Brooks to Fort King. This was an act of re- 
venge for an Indian killed in a former encounter. Dalton was 
found twenty miles from Fort King, with his body cut open and 
sunk in a pond. The Indians commenced snapping their guns in 
the face of the government, at the same time expressing their con- 
tempt for the laws, and threatening the country with bloodshed if 
any force should be used to restrain them. November 30, 1835, the 
following order was issued by the agent : "The citizens are warned 
to consult their safety by guarding against Indian depredations." 
Hostilities were soon inaugurated in a most shocking manner with 
a tragedy of deep import — the killing of Charlie Amathla, Novem- 
ber 26, 1835, which act was a cold-blooded murder, Osceola head- 
ing the band of savages. Charlie Emathla was shot because he 
favored emigration, and was preparing to move West. 

Osceola afterward selected ten of his boldest warriors, who were 
to wreak vengeance on General Thompson. The general was then 
camping at Fort King, little dreaming that the hour of his dissolu- 
tion was so near, or that Osceola was lying in wait to murder him. 
Although a messenger was sent to tell Osceola of the Wahoo Swamp 
engagement being in readiness, no laurels won on other fields had 
any charms for him until Thompson should be victimized by his 
revengeful machination. After lingering about for seven days, 
the opportune moment presented itself when Thompson was invited 



104 Ponce de Leon Land. 

away from the fort. On the afternoon of December 28, 1836, as he 
and Lieutenant Smith who dined out that day, were unguard- 
edly walking toward the sutler's store, about a mile from the post, 
the savages discovered them. Osceola said: "Leave the agent for 
me; I will manage him.'"' They were immediately attacked by the 
warriors. They both received the full fire of the enemy and fell 
dead. 

Thompson was perforated with fourteen bullet holes and Smith 
with five. The Indians then proceeded to the store, where they shot 
Rogers and four others. After the murder they robbed the store and 
set fire to the building; the smoke gave the alarm, but the garrison 
at Fort King being small, no assistance could be rendered them. 

On the same day, December 28th, and nearly the same hour. 
Major T. L. Dade, when five miles from \¥lahoo Swamp, was 
attacked while on his way from Fort Brooks to Fort King. The 
Indians were headed by Jumper, who had previously warned those 
who were cowards not to join him. Micanopy, their chief, who was 
celebrated for his gluttony, and, like the Trojan heroes, could eat 
a whole calf or lamb and then coil up like a snake for digestion, on 
a previous occasion, when an appeal was made to him, by the argu- 
ment of bullet force, replied: "I will show you,^' and afterward 
stationed himself behind a tree awaiting the arrival of the Fort 
Brooke force, while his warriors lay concealed in the high grass 
around them. \Yhen Major Dade arrived opposite where the chief 
and his men were ambushed, Micanopy, in honor of his position as 
head chief, leveled his rifle and killed him instantly. Major Dade 
was shot through the heart and died, apparently, without a strug- 
gle. The savages rushed from their covert, when Captain Frazier 
was the next victim, together with more than a hundred of his com- 
panions. The suddenness of the attack, the natural situation of the 
country, with its prairies of tall grass, each palmetto thicket being 
a fortress of security, from which they could hurl their death-deal- 
ing bullets, were all formidable foes with which the whites had to 
contend. Within a few hours' march of Fort King, under the 
noonday splendor of a Florida sun, were one hundred and seven 
lifeless bodies which had been surprised, murdered and scalped, 
with no quarter and far from the sound of human sympathy. 

The night after the "Dade Massacre" the Indians returned to 
Wahoo Swamp with the warm life-current dripping from the scalps 
of those they had slain. These scalps were given to Hadjo, their 
medicine man, who placed them on a pole ten feet high, around 
which they all danced, after smearing their faces with the blood of 
their foes and drinking freely of fire-water. One instance is men- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 105 

tioned worthy of remark, in regard to finding Major Dade's men 
with their personal property untouched. Breastpins of the officers 
were on their breasts, watches in their places, and silver money in 
their pockets. They took the military coat of Major Dade and 
some clothing from his men, with all their arms and ammunition, 
which proved they were not fighting for spoils, but their homes. 
The bloody eight hundred, after they had committed the murder, 
left the bodies unburied and without mutilation, except from 
scalping. They were buried by the command of Major-General 
Gaines, who also named this tragic ground "The Field of the Dead." 

Fights now followed each other in rapid succession. Long im- 
pending hostilities burst upon the white settlers, who, in turn, 
sought every opportunity of gratifying their revenge for outrages 
committed. No person was safe ; death lurked in every place, and 
there was security to none. Acts of fiendish barbarity were of com- 
mon occurrence. Houses burned, the labor of years gone forever, 
while many of the missing were consumed in the flames of their own 
dwelling, the savages dancing around the funeral piles. The In- 
dians appeared seized with a kind of desperation which knew no 
quarter and asked for none, constantly posting themselves in the 
most frequented highways with the intention of slaying or being 
slain. 

On the 31st of December, the same year, the Indians receiving 
information that the troops under General Clinch were approaching 
and would cross the Withlacoochee, posted themselves at the usual 
fording place for the purpose of intercepting them. General 
Clinch was surprised by them, as they had greatly the advantage, 
being among the trees, while the troops were in an open space with 
only an old leaky canoe to cross in, under constant fire of the 
enemy; some of them being obliged to swim. The soldiers, accus- 
tomed to Indian warfare, never forded twice in the same place. 
Captain Ellis, now a worthy citizen of Gainesville, Florida, who 
commanded a company during the Seminole War, being present 
when the attack was made, says: "I was so much afraid the war 
would be over before I had a chance to be in a fight, I was glad 
when I saw the Indians coming, but I got enough fighting before 
it was through with." When he saw the savages at the commence- 
ment of this engagement, not knowing of the massacre, he said : 
"Boys, the Indians have been killing our men, for they have got on 
their coats." 

Osceola was the prime leader in this first battle of Withlacoo- 
chee, and, although a whole platoon fired at him, he seemed to be 
bullet proof. From behind the tree where he was stationed he 



IOC. Ponce de Leon Land. 

brought down his man at every fire to the number of forty. He 
ordered his warriors not to run from the pale faces, but to fight. 
The contest was a close one, but General Clinch held his ground. 
After the Indians retreated the troops buried their dead and built 
log fires over their remains to keep the enemy from digging them 
up and scalping them. 

During September, 1837, Osceola sent in negotiations of peace 
to General Hernandez through an envoy, accompanied with presents 
of a bead pipe and a white plume as an assurance that the path of 
the pale face was peaceful and safe. General Hernandez, with the 
sanction of General Jessup, returned presents and friendly mes- 
sages, requesting the prcvsence of Osceola, with the distinct under- 
standing that it was for the purpose of making arrangements for 
the emigration of his people. The messenger returned in accordance 
with his previous contract, reporting that Osceola was then on his 
way to St. Augustine with one hundred warriors. Osceola had 
never heretofore regarded the sacredness of a flag of truce as bind- 
ing, besides, being engaged in the abduction of Micanopy and oth- 
ers, who would otherwise have complied with the terms of the treaty. 
General Jessup intended before his arrival to have him detained. 
General Hernandez, who was the soul of honor, remonstrated with 
him, when he replied : ''I am your superior ; it is your duty to obey." 
General Hernandez met them at Fort Peyton, near Pelicier creek, 
about seventeen miles southwest of St. Augustine. From the in- 
quiries of General Hernandez in regard to the other chiefs and their 
locality,Osceola soon comprehended the situation, and when asked 
for replies to the General's questions, he said to the interpreter: 
"I feel choked. You must speak for me." The place where they 
were assembled for parley being surrounded by a detachment of dra- 
goons, they closed in on them, capturing the whole band without 
firing a shot 

This strategy in taking Osceola did not tarnish the laurels of 
General Jessup in the least ; a much greater blunder was committed 
in turning him loose offer his first capture. Those who have con- 
demned him must think of the anxiety by day and horrors at night 
through which these poor settlers struggled, while time passed like 
a bewildered dream of terror ; improvements of all kinds languish- 
ing with a sickly growth, while the dragon of war sowed the seed 
of discord and desecrated the golden fleece of the harvest with a 
■ bloody hand. 

When Osceola was first captured he was imprisoned in Fort 
Marion, but was afterward removed tc Sullivan's Island, where his 
wife and chil^ accompanied him. He was a sad prisoner — never 



Ponce de Leon Land. 107 

known to laugh during his confinement, but often heard to sigh. 
During his last illness he had the best medical attention from 
Charleston, whose skill he refused, believing they intended poison- 
ing him. To one of his wives he was very much attached, and his 
spirit passed away while leaning on her bosom. He died in 1838 
from inflammation of the throat. 

Osceola had always lived among the Serainoles, and regarded 
their lot as his. The name of his wife was Checho-ter, or Morning 
Dew. She was a Creek, and their family consisted of four children. 
Osceola had two sisters living in the Creek nation. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



'T'RAVELERS who imagine themselves greatly inconvenienced 
^ and have so much to complain about, for more profitable em- 
ployment, after riding in the pleasant steam cars from Jack- 
sonville to St. Augustine, will peruse the following, from which 
they can form some idea of the contrast within fifty years in 
Florida ; 

December, 1840. 
"Notice to Travelers St. Augustine and Picolata Stage: 

The subscriber has commenced running a comfortable car- 
riage between St. Augustine and Picolata twice a week. A mili- 
tary escort will accompany the stage going and returning. Fare 
each way, five dollars. The subscriber assures those who may 
patronize this undertaking that his horses are strong and sound; 
his carriage commodious and comfortable; that none but careful 
and sober drivers will be employed; also every attention will be 
paid to their comfort and convenience. Passengers will be called 
for when the escort is about leaving the city." 

We have selected from the many one of the atrocious acts of 
violence committed by the savages previous to this arrangement 
upon a worthy and respected citizen, Dr. Philip Weedman, whose 
three most estimable daughters are still living in St. Augustine. 

"November 25, 1839. — Shortly after the mail wagon left the 
city Dr. Philip Weedman, Sr., accompanied by his little son, a lad 
about twelve years of age, both in an open wagon, with Mr. Graves, 
on horseback, left for the purpose of visiting his former residence, 
now occupied as a garrison by a part of Captain Mickler's company. 
On arriving at the commencement of Long Swamp, without any 
previous warning, he was fired upon and killed, having received two 



108 Ponce de Leon Land. 

balls in his breast; his little son was wounded in the head, baring 
his brain; also cut with a knife. The mutilated youth, with the 
remains of his dead father, were brought in town today. The 
express returned for medical aid, causing the Indians to run, as the 
wagon containing the mail was fired into, wounding Captain Searle 
and killing a Polander who was riding horseback." 

"Tuesday, November 26, 1839.— The funeral of Dr. Philip 
Weedman took place today, attended by all of our citizens, who 
sympathize deeply with his numerous family." 

The Polander, Mr. Possenantzky, was buried the same day 
according to the Hebrew form. The Indians continued firing on 
the covered wagon train, calling them "cloth houses |" their object 
being to obtain supplies. When a proposition was made to have 
fortified wagons hostile Indians were something which could not 
be worked by any rule. They were the exception. 

On Saturday, February 15, 1840, we find a record of two mail- 
carriers have been murdered, one seven and the other nine miles 
distant — G. W. Walton, from South Carolina, while on his way to 
Jacksonville, and Mr. J. Garcias, near Live Oak Camp. The let- 
ters were undisturbed, although carried some distance. Both of 
the murdered men were buried in St. Augustine. Afterward the 
mail was accompanied by an escort of five men. 

"We have tried to hold up some cause, with the semblance of 
a shade, to delude us into the belief that the Indians have less 
activity and enterprise than the white men, but facts stand forward 
in bold relief denying us even the poor consolation which such de- 
lusions might aiford us. The lifeless bodies of our brethren speak 
trumpet-tongued in favor of their removal, and the wail of hearts 
blighted by their successes is stronger and more piercing than the 
fictitious surroundings of excited fancies." 

Here is another thrust at the bloodhounds: "These distin- 
guished auxiliaries have received more attention than their service 
deserves, while great apprehension fills the minds of many for fear 
they should perchance bite a Seminole. We would state as a 
quietus that a competent tooth-drawer will accompany them, enter- 
ing upon his dental duties very soon." 

Another shocking murder occurred between Picolata and St. 
Augustine before the St. John's Kailroad was surveyed between 
Tocoi and St. Augustine. 

"May 29th, 1840. — On Friday last a carriage and wagon had 
been obtained to proceed to Picolata for the purpose of bringing 
some. baggage and gentlemen connected with the theatrical com- 
pany of W. C. Forbes, from Savannah. Leaving Picolata on Satur- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 109 

day morning. May 23d, in addition to their own party they were 
joined by Mr. D. G. Vose of J^ew York and Mr. Miller of Bruns- 
wick, who all reached the eleven-mile military post in safety. When 
within seven miles of St, Augustine they were fired upon by Indians, 
severely wounding Vose, Miller and Wigger, a young German musi- 
cian. Wliile this work of death was going on a wagon which had 
left the barracks that morning was seen approaching; it contained 
three persons besides the driver — Mr. Francis Medicis of St. Augus- 
tine, Mr. A. Ball and Mr. Beaufort. The Indians fired upon them 
near the six-mile post, when Mr. Beaufort and the driver escaped. 
The mules ran away with the wagon. The firing being heard at the 
little garrison of seven men, they turned out, when they saw dis- 
tinctly twenty Indians, News having been received in town by a 
lad coming in on one of the horses, a party of gentlemen repaired 
thither ; on reaching the ground there lay Mr. Ball dead, while fur- 
ther on was the body of Mr. Medicis, lying on his side, his hands 
clenched as if in the attitude of supplication, his right shirt sleeve 
burned with powder and covered with blood. Mr. Francis Medicis 
was murdered the 23d of May, 1840, between the hours of eleven and 
twelve o'clock. The bodies of Messrs. Miller, Ball and Vose were 
brought in at dusk; that of Mr. Miller about nine o'clock. The 
bodies of the strangers were placed in the council chambr-^. Mr. 
Forbes and his company passed over the Picolata road on the 22d 
of May, except Messrs. Wigger, German and Thomas A. Line. 
Mr. Wigger was murdered, Thomas A. Line hid himself in a swamp, 
sinking up to his neck and covering his face with a bonnet leaf, 
which he raised, to the great surprise of his companions when they 
were searching for the survivers and gathering up the wounded." 

The oldest citizens in St. Augustine now say that when Mr. 
German, vocalist, one of the theatricals, arrived in the city, after his 
escape, his hair was standing perfectly erect on his head, and in 
twenty-four hoiirs turned entirely white. As the Indians rifled the 
baggage wagon, they carried off a considerable portion of the stage 
dresses and other paraphernalia. 

Now, we can peruse these tragic events as the visions of some 
wild romancer, or relate them to children as nursery tales, partaking 
enough of the terrible to excite a desire for the wonderful. Wearied 
with waiting, and heartsick of bloody murders, we find the following 
piece of composition written on this solemn occasion: 

"How long shall the earth drink the blood of our women and 
children, and the soil be dyed with the ebbing tide of manhood? 
Could they have looked with us upon the mangled corpses of Indian 
wrath as they were laid upon the public highway, or gone to the 



110 Ponce de Leon Land. 

council room and sun^eyed on its table, where side by side the mar- 
ble forms of four men lay, who a few hours before were looking to 
the future as filled with bright enjoyment, they would then have 
whistled their philanthropy to the winds and cried aloud for ven- 
geance. That was a sight never to be forgotten. We have seen 
men killed in battle and perish by disease on the ocean, but amid 
the many affecting and unpleasant incidents that have met our gaze 
we have never seen a spectacle like that. Here, in the rigidity of 
death lay the youthful German, on whom manhood had Just 
dawned, also the compact forms of muscular health, with the less 
vigorous frames of more advanced years. A casual glance might 
mistake it for a mimic scene, where art had exhausted her power 
in its production. But there was the pallid hue of faces ; there was 
the gash the knife had made in its course to the heart; the cleft 
forehead parted by the tomahawk in its descent to the brain, and 
there the silent drop, dropping of crimson fluid to the floor, while 
our secretary, with his usual imbecility, issues orders to muzzle the 
bloodhounds. The funerals of these unfortunate victims took place 
on Sunday, attended by a large concourse of people, who expressed 
the keenest indignation at the repetition of such a scene so near our 
city. Wild Cat was the leader of this band, as he stopped after- 
ward at the plantation of E. S. Jencks, Esq., and told the servants 
he had committed the murder." 

The troupe filled their engagement at St. Augustine, as only a 
musician had been killed from their number. History says: "The 
sterling comedy of 'The Honeymoon' was performed to a crowded 
house," Afterward the following notice appeared : "During the win- 
ter months we have no dovibt that a troupe embodying the same 
amount of talent which the present company possesses would find it 
profitable to spend a month with us each season." 

Coacoochee, or Wild Cat, was captured with Osceola in 1836. 
and afterward made his escape, or he never would have been per- 
mitted to commit such a series of appalling atrocities as those which 
we have recorded. Wild Cat frequently visited the residence of 
General Hernandez, who lived on Charlotte street. He also very 
much admired one of his beautiful daughters, and, like lovers at the 
present day, wanted an excuse for returning; consequently, on going 
away he would leave one of his silver crescents- which he wore on his 
breast as a defense and for ornament, to be polished, and, when 
he returned, taking the one he left before and leaving another. He 
delighted to stand in front of a large mirror which general Hernan- 
dez had in his parlor and admire his person. He said if Miss Kitty 
Hernandez would be his wife she should never work anv more, but 



Ponce de Leon Land. Ill 

always ride on a pony wherever she went; that Sukey, his present 
wife, should wait on her ; but Miss Kitty would be queen. He fre- 
quently made assertions of his friendship for the family. When on 
one occasion some of them remarked that he would kill them as 
quick as anybody if he should find them in the Indian nation, he 
replied: "Yes, I would; for you had better die by the hand of a 
friend than an enemy." 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



THE following is an account of Coacoochee's escape and recap- 
ture: "In all ages of the world there have lived those who 
laugh at iron bars and defy prison doors — among whom we 
find the Seminole Chief, Wild Cat, who appeared to be proof against 
bullets, with a body no dungeon could hold. He was very indig- 
nant on account of his imprisonment, denouncing his persecutors in 
no measured terms. He said the white man had given one hand in 
friendship while in the other he carried a snake with whicli lie lied 
and stung the red man. While in Fort Marion he planned his 
escape in a most remarkable manner. He complained of illness, at 
the same time manifesting signs of indisposition, and made a re- 
quest that he might be permitted to go in search of a curative 
agency. Accompanied by a guard, he was again permitted to 
breathe the pure air of his native home, but not in freedom. This 
movement furnished him with an opportunity for reconnoitering 
and measuring with his eye the distance outside the fort from the 
ventilator in his cell. After his return he resorted to the use of his 
herbs and abstained from food, which had the effect of reducing 
his size, which was unnecessary, for he easily got through the eight- 
inch bars. He selected a stormy night for the undertaking, when 
the guards would be the least inclined to vigilance, and commenced 
making preparations by tearing his blanket into strips to make a 
rope, which he made fast inside his cell, and by working a knife into 
the masonry formed steps. This, with the aid of his companion's 
shoulders, enabled him to reach the ventilator, a distance of eighteen 
feet, through which he escaped by taking a swinging leap of 
twenty feet into the ditch, skinning his back and chest effectually. 
His companion, Talmus Hadjo, was less fortunate than himself. 
After a desperate effort to get through, he lost his hold and fell the 
whole way to the ground. Wild Cat thought him dead, but his 
ankle was only sprained, and after enlisting the service of a mule 



113 Ponce de Leon Land. 

grazing in the vicinity he was soon far awa}' from bolts and bars 
which could restrain his wild, freeborn movements. 

Wild Cat had a twin sister, to whom he was much attached. 
He said she visited him after her death in a white cloud, and thus 
relates her appearance : "Her long hair, that I had often braided, 
hung down her back. With one hand she gave me a string of white 
pearls ; in the other she held a cup sparkling with pure water, which 
she said came from the fountain of the Great Spirit, and if I 
would drink of it I should return and live forever. As I drank she 
sang the peace song of the Seminoles, while White Wings danced 
around me. She then took me by the hand and said, 'All is peace 
here.' After this she stepped into the cloud again, waved her hand 
and was gone. The pearls she gave me were stolen after I was im- 
prisoned in St. Augustine. During certain times in the moon, 
when I had them, I could commune with the spirit of my sister. I 
may be buried in the earth or sunk in the water, but I shall go to 
her and there live. Where my sister lives game is abundant, and 
the white man is never seen." 

This chieftain was afterward induced to come in for a parley 
to a depot established on the head waters of Peace creek. The fol- 
lowing is a description of his appearance on that occasion : 

''About midday on March 5, 1841, Wild Cat was announced as 
approaching the encampment, preceded by friendly Indians, and fol- 
lowed by seven trusty warriors. He came within the chain of senti- 
nels boldly and fearlessly, decorated, as were his companions, in the 
most fantastic manner. Part of the wardrobe plundered from the 
theatrical troupe the year previous was wrapped about their persons 
in the most ludicrous and grotesque style. The nodding plumes of 
the haughty Dane, as personated in the sock and buskin boasting of 
his ancestry and revenge, now decorated the brow of the unyielding 
savage whose ferocity had desolated the country by blood, and whose 
ancestors had bequeathed the soil now consecrated with their ashes, 
which he had defended with unswerving fidelity. He claimed no 
rights or inheritance but those he was prepared to defend. Modestly 
by his side walked a friend wound up in the simple garb of Horatio, 
while in the rear was Richard III., judging from his royal purple 
and ermine, combined with the hideous visage. Others were orna- 
mented with the crimson vest and spangles according to fancy. He 
entered the tent of Colonel Worth, who was prepared to receive him, 
and shook hands with the officers all round, imdisturbed in manner 
or language. His speech was modest and fluent. His child, aged 
twelve years, which the troops had captured at Fort IMellon during 
the fight, now rushed into his arms. Tears seldom give utterance to 



Ponce de Leon Land. 113 

the impulse of an Indian's heart, but when he found the innate 
enemies of his race the protector of his child he wept. With accu- 
racy and feeling he detailed the occurrences of the past four years. 
He said the whites had dealt unjustly by him. "^I came to them; 
they deceived me. The land I was upon I loved ; my body is made of 
its sands. The Great Spirit gave me legs to walk it, hands to help 
myself, eyes to see its ponds, rivers, forests and game ; then a head, 
with which to think. The sun, which is warm and bright, brings 
forth our crops, and the moon brings back the spirits of our war- 
riors, our fathers, wives and children.' Wild Cat admitted the 
necessity of leaving the country, hard as it was. After remain- 
ing four days he returned with his child to the tribe." 

General Worth commanded the army in Florida at this time. 
He established the headquarters of his command in the saddle, only 
asking his troops to follow where he should lead. 

Wild Cat had a subtle, cunning disposition, which gave the 
whites much trouble. They had deceived him, and his confidence 
in the pale faces was much shaken, but, being induced by General 
Worth, he was prevailed upon to meet in council. The general 
made a direct appeal to his vanity by telling him he had the power 
to end the war if he chose, as they were all tired of fighting. 

Wild Cat was finally captured during the month of June. His 
camp was thirty-five miles from Fort Pierce, on the Okeechobee 
Swamp. He abandoned the idea of emigration, and his name was a 
terror to all the white settlers. He agreed to leave with the Semi- 
nole and Miccosukie tribes, who elected him their leader. His part- 
ing address, as he stood upon the deck, was as follows : "I am looking 
at the last pine tree of my native land. I am leaving Florida for- 
ever. To part from it is like the separation of kindred, but I have 
thrown away my rifle. I have shaken hands with the white man, 
and to him I look for protection." 

Wild Cat, after being sent to New Orleans, was brought back 
to Tampa, that he might have a talk with his band, which num- 
bered one hundred and sixty, including negroes. He was too proud 
to come from the vessel with his shackles, but when they were re- 
moved he talked freely with his people, and wanted all- to be sent 
West without delay. He died on his way to Arkansas, and was 
buried on the banks of the Mississippi river. War to him was only 
a source of recreation. 



114 Ponce de Leon Land. 



CHAPTEE XXXIV. 



JANUARY 7, 1861, Fort Marion was taken possession of by 
Florida troops, by order of the Governor, even before the ordi- 
nance of secession was passed. It had been used for an arsenal 
for years. The stores fell into the hands of the insurgents. The 
fort was used for a rendezvous for recruits most of the time up to its 
surrender to Commander C. R. P. Rodgers, U. S. N. On the 11th 
of March, 1862, he crossed the bar in the Wabash with a flag of 
truce. The city and government property was surrendered by the 
Mayor, who informed him that the two companies of Florida troops 
who had garrisoned the fort had left the place on the previous even- 
ing, leaving the public property in his charge. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



IN 1875, Fort Marion was used for the confinement of a number 
of Commanche, Kiowa and Arrapaho Indians, comprising a 

number of leading chiefs and head men, who had been taken 
prisoners by the United States troops serving on the Western fron- 
tier. Captain Pratt, U. S. A., had charge of the Indians while they 
were confined in Fort Marion. 

April 13, 1886, seventy-seven Chiricahua Apache Indian pris- 
oners of war were sent to Fort Marion for confinement. The Chiri- 
cahua Apaches are one of the many bands of the Apache pation, 
which at that time numbered about 47,000 people. This band num- 
bered over five hundred, and had the best warriors in the Apache 
nation. Chihuahua was the head chief of this part of the band, 
and was retained as head chief of all the Indians while they re- 
mained here. He was a very skillful fighter, and understood the 
whites thoroughly, he having been first sergeant of a company of 
Indian scouts for two years. He had served his time, and was 
discharged before he joined the hostiles. The Indians had promised 
to come in and surrender at a point near San Barnardina. They 
came in, but the night before the surrender was to take place, Geron- 
imo got his band drunk and induced them to go on the war path 
again. Chihuahua kept his word and surrendered with his band. 

During the thirteen months that I had the immediate care of 
these Indians I found most of them trustworthy, truthful and honest 
in every respect. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 115 

With this part of the band was old Nanna, the greatest war 
chief of the Apache nation. He probably has more scars on his 
body than any man in this country. It was Nanna that tried to save 
Victory. He sent a small squad with Victory into the mountains, 
and tried to obliterate their trail, thinking that the troops would 
follow the large party, but instead, they found the small trail and 
followed it, attacked the band, killing Victory and a number of his 
braves. 

Nanna was the oldest war chief of the band. He was six feet 
in height and strongly built, and was always pleasant while here. 
He spent hours in teaching the Apache language and their dances 
to my son. Nanna was originally a Warm Spring Apache. It was 
his old band that were our scouts against the Modoc Indians. 

Natchez was the head chief of this band. Chihuahua, Geron- 
imo, Chatto, Nanna, Loco, Bastuea, Cheve, Mangus and Kituna 
were the other chiefs. Of these, jSTatchez, Geronimo and Mangus 
and fourteen braves were sent to Fort Pickens, Fla. This was the 
part of the band that went on the war path again after promising 
to surrender. There were five hundred and five all told, braves, 
squaws and children. There was no interpreter sent with Chi- 
hauhua's band. When the large squad from Arizona was sent here 
there were two interpreters with them, Sam Boman and Conception. 
With a few exceptions, the Indians behaved very well while in con- 
finement here. On the 26th of April they were transferred to Mount 
Vernon, Ala. They still remain prisoners of war and have been 
sent to the Indian Territory. 

Captain Pratt, United States Army, was the first to attempt 
the education of Indian prisoners of war. He was ably assisted by 
Mrs. Mathers. This lady took a great interest in the instruction of 
the Apaches, assisted by Mrs. Dr. Caruthers and the Misses Clark. 
A large class was instructed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. All the 
above were very successful in their endeavors to educate these pris- 
oners. The following is a part of the names as nearly correct as can 
be translated in English: To-day, Cona, Lanzea, ISTausen, Cisner, 
Shunarclay, Chechet, Staloch, Fritz, Johnnie, Kasochon, Darkei, 
Toyski, Charlie, Phil, Kroshega, Spudy, Bender, ISTo Slin, Ston, 
Conaenato, Donshedan, Soz, Good3^-Groody, Goso, Joshya, Parlo, So- 
zone, Jim, ISTigharzen, Notar, Whenoshe, Bezenas, Couporal, Side, 
Sizzen, Kaleson, Harry, Katar, Kerozona, Bashozen, Bizha, Josa- 
nan, Coyonhe, Chatto, Kashonar, Bahaley, Fatty, Shiltinoo, Bach- 
lom, Natchez, Eeskeney. 

Will give a few words in Apache and English translation : 

Lomry, fire; to, water; buckshay, beef; potsesha, axe; a, shirt; 



116 Ponce de Leon Land. 

anate, trousers; ka, shoes; chess, wood; ow, yes; chetto, blanket; 
tlago, night ; dozuda, no good ; va shindan, do you see ; hi-u-den-ya, 
where are you going ; que dal ga, what your name ; ou-chisty, come 
here; youychey, go; edlo, thread; deque, how many; do da, no; 
bakechee, ink ; elsliinero, baby or child ; is congo, tomorrow ; pesh. 
knife ; kash bea cay, shovel ; montocho, orange ; nantan, commander ; 
oujue, good; noy oustee, rain; nato, tobacco; tinco, matches; nad e 
ste, pipe; basque, brush; bagazuda, broom; queah, sick. 

The following is the system of counting by the Apaches : One, 
dath la; two, nock ke; three, ti; four, te; five, ashli; six, goston; 
seven, gostid ; eight, sapee ; nine, gost i ; ten, gones nan ; eleven, 
thla zotta; twelve, nock ke zotta; thirteen, ti zotta; fourteen, te 
zotta; fifteen, ashli zotta; sixteen, goson zotta; seventeen, goste 
zotta ; eighteen, spee zotta ; nineteen, gosta zotta ; twenty, nat teen ; 
twenty-one, nateen thla; twenty-two, nateen nock e; twenty-three, 
nateen ti; twenty-four, nateen te; twenty-five, nateen ash li. 

The Apaches do not use the sign language except in writing. 



CHAPTER XXXVL 



THE Ponce de Leon, Cordova and Alcazar stand without a peer 
in any part of the world. The construction of the first of 
these magnificent buildings was commenced November 30th. 
1885, and finished May 30th, 1887. The other hotels are the St. 
George, Florida, Magnolia, Barcelona, Valencia, Algonquin, the 
Palmetto and others. The climate of Florida speaks for itself, of 
St. Augustine especially. 

In conclusion of the Third Edition the author has but little 
to add. The troops stationed in St. Augustine part of the time 
during the Spanish-American war was a part of the 1st, 2d, 6th 
Artillery, 5th Infantry regulars and two companies of the 2d 
N. C. Vol. Infantry. It was first intended to use Fort Marion 
for the Spanish prisoners of war captured from the Spanish fleet 
in Cuba, but the yellow fever breaking out among them, the order 
was changed and they were sent north and quarantined. It was 
used for our own military prisoners until the 21st of February, 
1900, when the remainder of them were sent to Fort Monroe, Va. 

Forty years ago the 27th of April I joined the army. The 
5th of April will give me 37 years continuous service in the reg- 



Ponce de Leon Land. 117 

ular army; the rest of the time in the 35th N. Y. Vol. Infantry 
and 20th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry. The Spanish-American war brought 
but little to me but some broken joints, caused by stopping a mule 
team from running away with about 4,000 pounds of ammunition, 
shot, shell and powder, which we were transferring to the battery 
on the island, thus saving a government mule team, five men of 
the 5th Infantry, myself, and the making of a much larger en- 
trance into Fort Marion than was intended by the Spanish en- 
gineers. 

I have endeavored in this work to answer most of the questions 
asked me by about 1,800,000 people. How well I have succeeded 
you can best tell. With my best wishes to all. 

Very respectfully, 

G. M. BROWN, 
Ordnance Sergeant, U. S. A. 
St. Augustine, Fla., January, 1901. 



CHAPTEE XXXVII. 



IN looking back over the foregoing pages, and more particularly 
the last few chapters, I realize that there are some slight 

changes and explanations necessary, in order to make this. 
what I have striven for throughout, an absolutely faithful and 
correct narrative. Justice, however, demands that it be borne in 
mind that these corrections have been necessitated by climatic and 
other changes, and that when the pages were written the condi- 
tions were exactly as stated. 

In Chapter XXVII, reference is made to the bountiful and 
luxuriant growth of tropical fruits in St. Augustine. The "hig" 
freeze of 1888, followed by the "second" freeze five years later, 
served to destroy a great portion of the fruit, but, by care and 
attention during the colder months, the fruit cultivators are bring- 
ing most of the tropical fruits again into bearing, and in addition 
vast quantities of the summer fruits of the temperate zone — pears, 
peaches, plums, grapes and the smaller fruits have been intro- 
duced, making it now possible to obtain native fruits in St. Au- 
gustine, continuously, from one year's end to another. 

This may seem to be giving too much importance to a small 
matter, but many visitors during the last few seasons noticed the 
absence of many of the tropical fruits in the St. Augustine gardens. 



118 Ponce de Leon Land. 

and I make this explanation as due to the effort which has con- 
stantly been made in these pages for absolute accuracy. 

It also seems proper, in this connection, to call attention to 
the letter of the late Archbishop Corrigan, which is printed in fac 
simile. The author does this with pride, not only because of the 
Vind and flattering appreciation of this great man, but more be- 
cause of the valuable attestation of such an eminent authority, to 
the accuracy and impartiality of the historical portions of the 
book, which refer particularly to the part taken by the Eoman 
Catholic Church in the settlement and development of Colonial 
and Territorial Florida. Realizing the interest felt on all 
sides in the Florida and Seminole War, and particularly by those 
who have visited St. Augustine and other points in Florida, where 
many of the stirring scenes were enacted, and Fort Marion, where 
Osceola, Coacoochee and many of the other prominent Indians were 
confined, I have obtained permission from the War Department to 
publish, as part of this, the fourth edition of my book, an official 
roster of all those belonging to the United States Army who gave 
up their lives in that struggle, together with the official account of 
the ceremonies, etc., attendant upon the burial of these soldiers. As 
this matter is now published for the first time, its importance, from 
an historical standpoint, can hardly be overestimated, even apart 
from its interest as a narrative of what was perhaps the most 
romantic (but horrible) war ever waged by the government, for the 
purpose of subduing the Indian outbreaks in this country. 

Coming in contact, as I do, with many thousands of people, 
each year, I am continually being asked to spin "camp-fire" tales, 
taken from my experiences in the army, and I contemplate in the 
near future, publishing a narrative of some of the experiences of 
the life of an enlisted man during forty-two years in the service 
of Uncle Sam. This service has covered about all the phases of 
duty that fall to the lot of a non-commissioned officer of the United 
States Army. 

Should my forthcoming book meet with anything like the kind 
favor that has been extended to Ponce de Leon Land, I shall not 
only be grateful, but shall feel that I have performed a needed 
task in showing the public at large something of the life of the 
American soldier. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 119 



FLORIDA WAR RECORD. 

The Florida War commenced with the murder of the Indian 
agent and Indian trader at Fort King on the 25th and the surprise 
and massacre of Major Dade's command on the 28th of December, 
1835, while on the march from Fort Brooke (Tampa Bay). The 
command was composed as follows : Bvt. Major Dade, 4th Infantry, 
Commander; Captain Gardner; Lieutenants Bassiuger and Hen- 
derson. Second Artillery, Captain Fraser and Lieutenants Mudge 
and Keais. Third Artillery, Asst. Surgn. Gatlin, Medical Dept. of 
detachments of "B" and "C" Comps., 2d Artillery: "H" and "B"' 
Comps. Third Artillery, and "B" Company 4th Infantry: con- 
sisting of one hundred and six officers and soldiers of whom but two 
wounded privates escaped. 

The war, thus commenced, continued until the 4th of August, 
1842, and was terminated by the expulsion of the hostile bands, 
amounting, originally, to about 7,000 Indians, except 300 (includ- 
ing 95 warriors) who were allowed temporarily to reside within 
certain prescribed limits south of the Caloosahatchee River, 



CIRCULAR. 



On or before the conclusion of the Florida service, it is pro- 
posed to gather the remains, first, of the officers and soldiers who 
fell with Major Dade; second, of other officers who may have been 
killed in battle, or died on this service. Preparatory thereto, the 
Colonel commanding has caused the remains first mentioned and 
those of several officers within reach to be transferred to St. Au- 
gustine with a view to interment with proper ceremonies on the 
grounds attached to the public buildings. Others which it has not 
yet been convenient to reach will be added to the number. It is 
further proposed over these remains to place plain but durable 
slabs, on which will be simply recorded the names, rank and corps 
of the individuals and the occasion, if in battle, on which they 
perished ; not doubting that this mark of respect will be acceptable 
to the service. It is also believed it will be equally agreeable that 
there should be a general participation in the slight expense inci- 
dent thereto. If correct in this view, it is suggested as the most con- 
venient form that each officer and soldier serving with corps now 
in Florida consent to set apart one- day's pay proper, which will 
probably be fully equal to the sufficient but unostentatious memorial 



120 Ponce de Leon Lant). 

proposed to be erected. Commanders of corps are invited to take 
the sense of their officers and men upon the subject and measures, 
that any funds resulting therefrom may be retained by the paymas- 
ter and by him transmitted to the quartermaster at St. Augnstine, 
subject to disbursement by such persons as shall be designated in 
orders. 

At the proper time orders will issue for the ceremony in which 
every corps will be represented, and, as far as practicable, every 
grade of those to whose memoy is designed this mark of respect. 
(Signed) S. COOPER, 

Asst. Adjutant General. 

Cedar Keys, June 13th, 1843. 



Headquarters, Military Department No. 9. 
Cedar Keys, July 25th, 1842. 
Order No. 25. 

1. The remains of officers who have been killed in battle or who 
have died on service, including those of the non-commissioned officers 
and soldiers (being the command save two) who fell with Major Dade, 
as also those of several non-commissioned officers and privates who 
fell under peculiar circumstances of gallantry and conduct, have been 
gathered and transferred to St. Augustine, where suitable vaults are 
constructed for the final reception, over which unostentatious monu- 
ments will be erected to the memories of our late comrades. For this 
purpose sufficient pecuniary means have been raised by the voluntary 
subscription of the soldiers and officers of this command. 

2. The ceremony of interment will take place at St. Augustine 
on the 15th day of August next, on which occasion every corps nov/ 
serving in the Territory will be represented, as well as every grade 
(from lieutenant-colonel to private) of those to whose memory is de- 
signed this mark of respect. 

3. The senior officer of the line present will act as field officer 
of the day and will conduct the ceremony according to the established 
rules of the service. 

4. The funeral escort will consist of as many companies, not ex- 
ceeding six, as can be assembled without inconvenience to the service. 

5. On the day of interment the flags at the different stations will 
be displayed at half-staff, half-hour guns will be fired from meridian to 
sundown, and minute guns at the place of interment during the 
ceremony. 

By order of Colonel Worth. 
(Signed) S. COOPER, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters, Military Department No. 9. 
Cedar Keys, August 24th, 1842. 
Order No. 28. 
1. It is hereby announced that hostilities with the Indians within 
this Territory have ceased. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 131 

Measures are taken to pass the few remaining within certain limits 
— those in the far South immediately, those west of the Suwanee in a 
few days, who, meantime there is every reasonable assurance, will con- 
duct inoffensively if unmolested in their haunts. 

The lands thus temporarily assigned as their planting and hunt- 
ing grounds are within the following boundaries, viz: From the mouth 
of Talokchopke, or Peace Creek, up the left bank of that stream to the 
fork of the southern branch and following that branch to the head or 
northern edge of Lake Istokpoga; thence down the eastern margin of 
that lake to the stream which empties from it into the Kissimmee River, 
following the left bank of said stream and river to where the latter 
empties into Lake Okee-cho-bee; thence due south through said lake 
and the Everglades to Shark River, following the right bank of that 
river to the Gulf; thence along the Gulf shore (excluding all islands 
between Punta Rasa and the head of Charlotte Harbor) to the place 
of beginning. 

The foregoing arrangements are in accordance with the instruc 
tions of the President of the United States. 

By order of Colonel Worth. 
(Signed) S. COOPER, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Belknap being the senior officer present as- 
sumed direction of the ceremony and formed the escort as follows: 



Capt. T. P. Gwynn, 8th Infantry, commanding the escort. 
Lieut. A. T. Lee, Acting Adjutant. 



Escort composed of 

Company "K,"' 8th Infantry — Lieut. I. S. Gelden. 

Company "A," 8th Infantry — Lieut. L. Smith. 

Company "B," 3d Artillery— Lieut. W. H. Shover. 

Company "E„" 3d Artillerj' — Lieut. B. Bragg. 



Colors and Band of the 8th Infantry. 

Field Music of the Artillery. 

Clergy. 

Platoon of the Guard of Honor. 

Remains contained in seven wagons, each covered by the American 

flag as a pall, and drawn by five elegant mules. 
First and second wagons — Soldiers and Officers of Dade's Command. 

Third and fourth wagons — Soldiers and Officers Killed in Battle. 
Fifth, sixth and seventh wagons — Officers who have died in Florida. 



Consisting each of one Sergeant, one Corporal and one Private. 
Details from the different Regiments now serving in Florida. 



Pallbearers: 

Lieut. Benham, U. S. Engineers. 

Dr. Martin, U. S. Army. 

Maj. Van Ness, Paymaster, U. S. A. 

Lieut. Col. Hunt, D. Q. M. Gen'I. 

Lieut. Gordon, 3d Infantry. 
Capt. Hanham, Actg. Ord. Off. 

Capt. Seawell, 7th Infantry. 
Bvt. Maj. Graham, 4th Infantry. 



122 Ponce de Leon Land. 

Platoon of the Guard of Honor — Lieut. Wallen. 

Colors and Band of the 3d Infantry. 

Field Music of the 8th Infantry. 

Company "F," 4th Infantry — Capt. Page. 

Company "C," 8th Infantry — Capt. Kelle. 

Medical Faculty. 



Mayor and Aldermen of St. Augustine. 

Masonic Fraternity. 

St. Augustine City Guards — Capt. P. R. Lopez. 

Citizens generally of St. Augustine. 



The remains being removed from the wagons, amid the firing of 
minute guns, the Reverend M. Waters, of the Catholic Church, ad- 
dressed the assembled multitude with great eloquence and beauty. 
The services of the Episcopal Church were read by John Beard, Esq., 
and a concluding prayer offered by the Reverend Henry Axtell. 

The remains were then placed in vaults prepared for their recep- 
tion, and after a salute of musketry, the troops retired, and were 
marched into quarters. The Masonic Fraternity proceeded from the 
tombs to the Presbyterian Church, where a monody on the dead was 
pronounced by D. W. Whitehurst, Esq. Half-hour guns were fired 
until sunset, closing the solemnities of the day. 



Medical Staff U. S. Army. 



1. Clarke, Richard, surgeon, Maj. Gamble's, Fla., June 29, 1839; 

disease contracted in Florida. 

2. Elwes, A. W., surgeon, died at Palatka June 12, 1842; disease con- 

tracted in Florida. 

3. Gatlin, I. S., asst. surg., died December 28, 1835; killed in battle, 

E. F. 

4. Lee, Thomas, asst. surg., died at New York City September 6, 

1838; disease contracted in Florida. 

5. Nourse, B. F., asst. surg., died at Key West, E. F., May, 1836; dis- 

ease contracted in Florida. 

6. Noyes, Charles, asst. surg., died at St. Augustine, E. F., July 26, 

1841; disease contracted in Florida. 

7. Robertson, John, asst. surg., died at sea May 20, 1842; disease con- 

tracted in Florida. 

8. Sullivan, Wade, asst. surg., died at Camp Walker, E. F., May 15, 

1838; disease contracted in Florida. 

9. Turtelot, A. C, asst. surg., died at Washington, D. C, December S, 

1837; disease contracted in Florida. 

10. Weightman, R., asst. surg., died at St. Augustine, E. F., October 30, 

1841; died. 

1st Regiment of Dragoons. 

1. Izard, James F., 1st lieut., died at Camp Izard February 28, 1836; 

killed in action. 

2. Wheelock, T. B., 1st lieut. died at Fort Micanopy June 15, 1836; dis- 

ease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 12a 

2d Regiment of Dragoons. 

1. Hamilton, Jas. W., 1st lieut., died at Fort Marion November 26, 

1837; disease unknown. 

2. Kingsbury, Chas. E., 1st lieut, died near Fort Mellon June 9, 

1837; fever. 

3. Lane, John F., capt., died at Fort Drane October 19, 1836; disease 

unknown. 

4. McNeil, I. W. S., 2d lieut., died at Mosquito September 11, 1837; 

killed in action. 

5. Winder, E. S., capt., died at E. Shore, Md., March 7, 1840; dis- 

ease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

1. Ash, William, prvt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine June 17, 183"; 

disease unknown. 

2. Augustanovitz, Stephen, privt. Co. "E," died at Ft. Heilman October 

20, 1838; dysentery. 

3. Aller, Wm. N.. privt. Co. "H," died at Everglades December 10, 

1840; killed in action. 

4. Ackerman, Amen, privt. Co. "K," died en route to Black Creek 

November 19, 1839; drowned. 

5. Alsop, Edwin, privt. Co. "K," died on steamboat June 26, 1841; 

diarrhea. 

6. Brown, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 

1839; killed by the enemy. 

7. Brewer, Frederick, privt. Co. "B," died at Ft. Heilman December 

27, 1839; accidentally drowned. 

8. Beardslee, Alanson, privt. Co. "B," died at Ft. Reid February 6. 

1841; disease unknown. 

9. Bennett, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Ft. Many December 31, 

1841; drowned. 

10. Batherson, Jacob, privt. Co. "B," died at Ft. Many May 21, 1842; 

difjease unknown. 

11. Backman, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Picolata September 28, 

1840; disease unknown. 

12. Brooks, Charles A., privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff Feb- 

ruary 15, 1842; dysentery. 

13. Bailey, Benjamin, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane May 1, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

14. Bedford, John I., privt. Co. "D," died at Calooshatchie July 23. 

1839; killed in action. 

15. Bodizer, Andrew, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Mellon April 13. 

1837; disease unknown. 

16. Brown, Avery, privt. Co. "E," died on steamer June 4, 1837; dis- 

ease unknown. 

17. Bigelow, John, sergt. Co. "E," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 

1839; killed in action. 

18. Brady, James 2d, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooks August 9, 

1841; remittent fever. 

19. Bedenham, Antoine, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine Septem- 

ber 5, 1837; peritonitis. 

20. Boling, Cornelius, privt. Co. "G," died at Ft. Heilman November 

26, 1840; consumption. 

21. Bruce, James D., privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata March 6, 1841 ; 

debility. 



124 Ponce de Leon Land. 

22. Brimgard, Martin, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Columbus October 

15, 1839; loclvjaw from disease contracted in Florida. 

23. Bushman, Charles F., privt. Co. "H." died at Wacassassa February 

10, 1840; lost — supposed to have been killed. 

24. Bell. Sutherland, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Blult Septem- 

ber 11, 1841; chronic diarrhea. 

25. Brady, Philip, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff September 

22, 1841; dropsy. 

26. Burdricke, Andrew, corpl. Co. "H," died at Fort Gilmer March 

20, 1842; chronic dysentery. 

27. Batchelor, Justin, privt. Co. "K," died near Fort King March 27, 

1840; accidentally shot. 

28. Cunnington, Samuel A., p. musn, died at Fort McHenry May 6, 

1839; diarrhea contracted in Florida. 

29. Childs, Isaac, privt. Co. "A," died at Wekewa River July 29, 1840; 

killed by the enemy. 

30. Connelly, Patrick, privt. Co. "A." died at Picolata September 30. 

1840; dysentery. 

31. Connelly, Francis, farrier Co. "A," died at Fort Reid December 7, 

1840; diarrhea. 

32. Cinamon, Samuel, privt. Co. "A," died at St. John's Bluff April 27, 

1841; disease unknown. 

33. Corbett, John, privt. Co. "A," died between Traders Hill, Ga., and 

Ft. Moniac, Fla., September 4, 1841; accidentally killed — thrown 
from his horse. 

34. Claridge, George, privt. Co. "C," died near Cubebe Swamp August 

24, 1839; found dead— shot. 

35. Chase, Edward T., privt. Co. "C," died at Palatka June 5, 1841; 

remittent fever. 

36. Church, Abiah, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane August 1, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

37. Cole, John M., privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine October 24, 

1836; disease unknown. 

38. Collins, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Shannon February 

13, 1841; disease unknown. 

39. Ceory, John B., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort No. 4 May 4, 1840 

accidentally shot by Lieut. Inge, 2d Dragoons. 

40. Cook, Charles, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff April 7, 1841 

chronic diarrhea. 

41. Clark, Josiah, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Mellon July 3, 1841 

chronic diarrhea. 

42. Clark, Christopher, privt. Co. "I, ' died at Fort Pierce February 

26, 1838; disease unknown. 

43. Coleman, John S., privt. Co. "I," d. id at Fort Columbus August 20, 

1839; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

44. Cary, Obed, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Reid December 28, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

45. Diggs, Miles, privt. Co. "A," died at Newnansville October — , 

1837; disease unknown. 

46. Dubois, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died at Black Creek June 10, 1839; 

debility. 

47. Delong, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at Picolata September 21, 

1840; debility. 

48. Dunbar, John S., privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane May 16, 1836; 

disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 125 

49. Douglass, B. M., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Braden May 21, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

50. Dantz, Francis, privt. Co. "G," died at Ft. Heileman January 1, 

1841; fever. 

51. Dougherty, James, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff April 

24, 1841; chronic diarrhea. 

52. Durrin, Oliver, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff October 15, 

1841; chronic diarrhea. 

53. Doyle, Michael, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Fanning April 14, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

54. Donahoo, Christopher, privt. Co. "I," died at Picolata October 3, 

1840; disease unknown. 

55. Devine, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Micanopy August 8, 

1838; consumption. 

56. Edwards, John, corpl. Co. "A," died at Aspalago October 22, 1838; 

congestive fever. 

57. Faulkner, Thomas B., privt. Co. "B," died near Gary's Ferry Oc- 

tober 6, 1837; dysenteria. 

58. Flaherty, Paul, privt. Co. "D," died at Ft. Heileman July 31, 1838; 

effects of heat. 

59. France, John I., privt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine January 6, 

1838; disease unknown. 

60. Ford, James, corpl. Co. "F," died at Ft. Brooke July 22, 1841; con- 

glecis cerebri. 

61. Filipowskie, Jacob, privt. Co. "H." died at Fort Reid December 

4, 1840; dysenteria. 

62. Ferrin, William, privt. Co. "I," died at St. Augustine December 18, 

1837; disease unknown. 

63. Gross, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Picolata August 20, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

64. Graff, George, privt. Co. "A," died at Picolata April 5, 1841; dis- 

ease unknown. 

65. Grant, William, privt, Co. "B," died at Micanopy August 9, 1838; 

debility. 

66. Gibson, George G., privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 

29, 1836; disease unknown. 

67. Getts, Amos G., privt. Co. "D," died at Mt. Vernon Arsenal Novem- 

ber 28, 1841; chronic diarrhea contracted in Florida. 

68. Goulding, William, privt. Co. "F," died at Cedar Keys December 19, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

69. Grant, Charles R., privt. Co. "G," died at Matanzas Bar August 18, 

1837; drowned. 

70. Hall, Edmond M., privt. Co. "A," died at Picolata March 26, 1841; 

chronic dysentery. 

71. Hopps, Philander, privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata August 31, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

72. Henderson, Andrew, privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff August 

22, 1841; ordinary disease. 

73. Hyde, John, privt. Co. "C," died near Micanopy Ma 20, 1836; shot 

by the enemy. 

74. Hodge, John A., privt. Co. "D," died at Micanop, June 10, 1836; 

died of wounds received in action January 9, 1836. 

75. Hackett, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Micanopy July 20, 1836; 

died of wounds received in action at Wellka Pond July 19. 



126 Ponce de Leon Land. 

76. Holmes, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Micanopy July 21, 1836; 

died of wounds received in action at Welika Pond July 19. 

77. Harrington, John, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 

7, 1836; disease unknown. 

78. Halstead, David, privt. Co. "D," died at Ft. Heileman September 

30, 1836; disease unknown. 

79. Hamilton, Thomas, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Mellon May 4, 

1836; disease unknown. 

80. Hartnell, Daniel, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Preston June 27, 1840; 

fever. 

81. Henderson, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Jessup April 17, 1842; 

disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

82. Hall, Henry H., privt. Co. "F," died at St. John's River October 2, 

1840; drowned. 

83. Howard, Zepheniah, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Mellon June 16, 

1837; disease unknown. 

84. Howland, John, corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke January 20, 

1839; disease unknown. 

85. Hamblin, Joseph M., privt. Co. "G," died at Ft. Heileman Novem- 

ber 29, 1840; fever. 

86. Heidle, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata December 6, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

87. Henderson, William, privt. Co. "G,' died at Fort Russell Septem- 

ber 4, 1841; ordinary disease. 

88. Hendry, David, privt. Co. "H," died at Withlacoochie September 

20, 1838; drowned. 

89. Jones, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Mellon February 4, 

1838; disease unknown. 

90. Jacobs, Samuel, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine October 4, 

1836; disease unknown. 

91. Jacobus, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane July 18, 1836; 

killed by the enemy. 

92. Jeffs, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 1839; 

killed in action. 

93. Jones, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Weeden December 8, 

1839; died. 

94. Johnson, Jesse, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Johns April 16, 1841; 

ordinary disease. 
'95. Jones, Isaac, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Macomb October 19, 1841; 
disease unknown. 
96. Johnson, William H., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Butler May 23, 
1839; shot. 

97. King, John H., privt. Co. "A, ' died at Fort Heileman December 20, 

1839; dysenteria. 

98. Kuceene, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Reid November 21. 

1840; disease unknown. 

99. Kernan, F., privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 29, 

1836; disease unknown. 

100. Kane, Michael, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Monroe January 25, 

1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

101. King, Benjamin, privt. Co. "F," died at Picolata February 7, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

102. King, Joseph R., privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Reid September 9, 

1840; remittent fever. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 137 

103. Kencin, John A., privt. Co. "I," died at Picolata December 6, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

104. Long, William H., privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa November 2J2, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

105. Lawrence, Joel, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Searle February 10, 

1840; apoplexy. 

106. Luther, Job, privt, Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay August 23, 1839; 

of wounds received at the Caloosahatchie. 

107. Luge, Augustus, privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff October 

14, 1841; ordinary disease. 

108. Lyons, Michael, privt. Co. "D." died at Fort Drane July 24, 1836 

disease unknown. 

109. Leddy, John, privt. Co. "F," died at St. John's Bluff March 31, 1841 

chronic dysentery. 

110. Lewis, Jacob, bugler Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke October 12, 1841 

remittent fever. 

111. Leman, Charles, privt. Co. "G," died at Garey's Ferry December 

13, 1839; disease unknown. 

112. Laney, Patrick, privt. Co. "H." died at Picolata March 1, 1837; 

coneumption. 

113. Lambert, Chris D., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Mellon July 12, 

1841; chronic diarrhea. 

114. Laforce, William, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay August 10, 

1840; chronic diarrhea. 

115. McDonald, Otho W., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Gilliland April 18, 

1837; disease unknown. 

116. McDonald, Michael, privt. Co. "A," died at Black Creek January 

19, 1839; disease unknown. 

117. Mullen, Arthur, privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa November 27, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

118. Miller, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Picolata December 7, 1840; 

influenza. 

119. Merrill, Hiram, privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff February 

18, 1842; dysentery. 

120. Mentz, Anton, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine August 27, 

1836; disease unknown. 

121. McDonald, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman October 

25, 1836; disease unknown. 

122. Myers, Simeon, privt. Co. "D." died at Tampa Bay June 10. 1836; 

disease unknown. 

123. Martin, Thomas, privt. Co. "D," died at Tampa Bay November 

21, 1836; disease unknown. 

124. McCabe, Richard, privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys November 

29, 1841; dysentery. 

125. Miller, Charles, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Mellon February 3, 

1838; disease unknown. 

126. Martin, George F., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Columbus January 

2, 1841; dysenteria, contracted in Florida. 

127. Mee, Edward, privt. Co. "F," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 1839; 

killed in action. 

128. McCraith, John K., privt. Co. "F," died at Palatka December 28, 

1840; debility. 

129. Mitchell, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Reid February 16, 1841; 

dysenteria. 



128 Ponce de Leon Land. 

130. McKeggan, John, privt. Co. "F," died at St. John's Bluff April 3 

1841; dysentery. 

131. Monohan, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke January 4, 

1842; diarrhea. 

132. McCourt, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Sherrard May 4, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

133. Marks, Albert, privt, Co. "G," died at Fort Heileman September 

16, 1840; disease unknown. 

134. Margen, Simon, privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys November 4, 

1840; dysenteria. 

135. Martar, Jacob, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Heileman January 5. 

1841; consumption. 

136. Morris. Evan, privt. Co. "I," died at Newnanville June 3, 1837; 

drowned. 

137. McMahon, Thomas, corpl. Co. "I," died at Fort King June 4, 1840; 

consumption. 

138. Mixter, Lorenzo D.. privt. Co. "K," died at St. Augustine February 

28, 1838; consumption. 

139. McPherson, Daniel, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Reid January 7, 

1841; diarrhea. 

140. McMahon. Roger, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Deynand November 

18, 1841; debility. 

141. Nicholas, Horace, privt. Co. "C," died at Caloosahatchie July 23. 

1839; killed by the enemy. 

142. Napier, James A., sergt. Co. "D," died at Fort Peyton Decembei 

9, 1839; fever. 

143. Norton, William P., corpl. Co. "F." died at Fort Norton August 16, 

1838; shot by Indians. 

144. Niles, Arthur, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Reid February 10, 1841; 

dysenteria. 

145. Nolan, Edward, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Russell September 10, 

1841; ordinary disease. 

146. Newell. George, privt. Co. "H." died at Suwanee Springs May 14, 

1842; killed by a citizen. 

147. Ninebar, Henry, privt. Co. "I," died at Picolata November 5, 1840, 

diarrhea. 

148. Ott, Sigmund, privt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine July 4, 1837; 

disease unknown. 
149. Pheiffer, Henry W.. privt. Co. "B." died at Garey's Ferry October 
11, 1840; debility. 

150. Penson, Christian, privt. Co. "B." died at Fort Reid February 10, 

1841; diarrhea. 

151. Peters, Charles, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Mellon February 12, 

1838; general decay. 

152. Parker, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Henderson, Ga., Septem- 

ber 4, 1841; dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

153. Pearce, Merritt, privt. Co. "F," died on board transport July 10, 

1838; consumption. 

154. Painter, Samuel, privt. Co. "I," died at Castle Pinkney, S. C, Janu- 

ary 18, 1837; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

155. Pratt, Joseph, privt. Co. "I," died at Micanopy October 21, 1837: 

disease unknown. 

156. Proctor, Edward, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort White August 9, 1838; 

mortification of leg. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 129 

157. Purdy, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Heilemau August 24, 

1840; chronic diarrhea. 

158. Runyon, Matthias L., privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Reid October 10, 

1840; diarrhea. 

159. Richardson, Daniel, privt. Co. "B," died at New Orleans August 1, 

1838; congestive fever, contracted in Florida. 

160. Roberts, James, privt, Co. "B," died at Ocklocknee River February 

28, 1840; accidentally killed. 

161. Redmond, Dennis, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke September 

13, 1841; affection of the liver. 

162. Rawson, John.W., corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Mellon May 8, 1837: 

dysentery. 

163. Ray, George, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort White June 16, 1842: 

congestive fever, 

164. Stansbury, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Tampa Bay October 18, 

1838; consumption. 

165. Stephens, Thomas, privt. Co. "A," died at Palatka May 11, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

166. Smith, William, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Shannon August 4, 

1841; disease unknown. 

167. Smither, William, privt. Co. "B," died near Fort Jupiter April 19, 

1838; dysentery. 

168. Saltzman, Jacob, privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata November 22, 

1840; diarrhea. 

169. Simmons, Job, sergt. Co. "C," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 1839; 

killed by the enemy. 

170. Steele, Charles G., musn. Co. "C." died at St. John's Bluff August 

26, 1841; ordinary disease. 

171. Smart, Warren, privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff January 

6, 1842; dysentery. 

172. Spear, Joseph, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Monroe August 20, 1841; 

chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

173. Spear, James W., privt. Co. "D," died at Baton Rouge December 

22, 1841; intermittent fever, contracted in Florida. 

174. Shepner, George, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine July 6, 1837: 

disease unknown. 

175. Stephenson, Isaac, corpl. Co. "E," died at Fort Peyton November 

14, 1837; disease unknown. 

176. Strange, John W., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Hamilton November 

17, 1837; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

177. Smith, Clarke, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Mellon February 6, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

178. Smith, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Peyton March 29, 1849; 

accidentally drowned. 

179. Sheridan, Edward, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Henderson, Ga., 

June 24, 1841; haemorrhagia. 

180. Sibolski, Jacob, privt. Co. ")^\" died at Fort Shannon June 22, 1839; 

dysenteria. 

181. Shutte, Andrias, privt. Co. "G," died at Matanzas Bar August 18, 

1837; drowned. 

182. Siebel. Henry, privt. Co. "G," died at Matanzas Bar August 18, 

1837; drowned. 

183. Slean, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata September 17, 1838; 

dysenteria. 



130 Ponce de Leon Land. 

184. Shaffner, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Jessup February 19, 

1842; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

185. Sabine, George I., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Mellon May 15, 1837 

cholera spasmodica. 

186. Squire, Edson, privt. Co. "H," died at Picolata February 17, 1841 

disease unknown. 

187. Smith, Henry, privt. Co. "I." died at Key West September 16, 1840 

chronic diarrhea. 

188. Stankel, Nicholas, privt. Co. "K," died at Black Creek May 27, 

1838; dysenteria. 

189. Stringer, James, privt. Co. "K." died at Black Creek November 

22, 1840; diarrhea. 

190. Spencer, John, privt. Co. "K," died at St. John's Bluff February 

12, 1842; chronic dysentery. 

191. Tippett, William, privt. Co. "A," died at St. Augustine March 10, 

1837; disease unknown. 

192. Taylor, George, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Reid October 8, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

193. Toohil, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Jessup February 27, 

1842; dropsy, contracted in Florida. 

194. Thompson, Robert, privt. Co. "F," died at Caloosahatchie July 

23, 1839; killed in action. 

195. Thielman, Gustave, privt. Co. "H." died at Picolata January 4, 

1841; chronic diarrhea. 

196. Troutman, Alois, privt. Co. "I," died at sea October 24, 1840; con- 

sumption. 

197. Van Tassel, Daniel, privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata September 6. 

1840; disease unknown. 

198. Vervalen, William C, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Fanning August 

5, 1840; congestive fever. 

199. Willis, James, Q. M. Sergt, died at Fort Heileman October 28, 

1840; disease of the lungs. 

200. Webb, James, Farrier, Co. "A," died at St. Augustine May 29, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

201. Wolcott, Cyrus, sergt. Co. "C," died at Hanson's Farm October 28. 

1840; accidentally killed. 

202. Winn, Timothy, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane June 19, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

203. Wilcox, Andrew, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Mellon February 3, 

1838; disease unknown. 

204. White, Richard, privt. Co. "F," died at Caloosahatchie July 23, 

1839; killed in action. 

205. White, John, privt. Co. "F," place of death unknown, November 

15, 1839; disease unknown. 

206. Warren, Chandler M., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort King August 5. 

1838; congestive fever. 

207. White, Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata January 8, 1841; 

intermittent fever. 

208. Wood, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke October 30, 1840; 

disease unknowa. 

209. Wagner, William, privt. Co. "K," died at Palatka September 2. 

1841; disease unknown. 



Ponce dp: Leon Land. 131 

210. Wandell, Aug. R., privt. Co. "K," died near Piloklikapah April 19, 

1842; killed in action by Indians. 

211. York, David, privt. Co. "D," place of death unknown, April 1, 1836; 

died of wounds received in action at cove of Withlacoochie 
March 31. 

212. Young, James, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane April 25, 1836: 

disease unknown. 

1. Tintel, Ferdinand, Drag, recruit died at Fort Mellon April 29. 1838; 
disease unknown. 

1st Regiment of Artillery. 

1. Gates, Lemuel, capt. Co. "C," died at Micanopy August 6, 1838; 
disease unknown. 

1. Brady, John, privt. Co. "A." died at Picolata May 22, 1836; dis- 

ease unknown. 

2. Bolles, John, privt. Co. "A." died at Picolata June 7. 1836; dis- 

ease unknown. 

3. Bader, Karl, privt. Co. "F," died at Port Drane July 19, 1836; 

fever. 

4. Brittingham, Samuel, privt. Co. "E." died near Carey's Ferry Sep- 

tember 1, 1836; fever. 

5. Bleeker, Abraham, privt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine October 9, 

1836; fever. 

6. Benner, John M., privt. Co. "F," died at Black Creek October 25, 

1836; fever. 

7. Burridge, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine February 

10, 1836; consumption. 

8. Chamberlin, Moses, sergt. Co. "H," died at Key West August 5, 

1836; disease unknown. 

9. Connelly, Robert, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 

15, 1836; fever. 

10. Campbell, Patrick, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Heileman Decem- 

ber 12, 1836; pleurisy. 

11. Coats, C. C, privt. Co. "P," died at St. Augustine January 20, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

12. Collins, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Miami River March 31, 1838; 

inflammation of the bowels. 

13. Collins, Daniel, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Pierce February 12, 

1838; disease unknown. 

14. Curry, James, privt. Co. "A." died at Picolata April 22, 1838; dis- 

ease unknown. 

15. Durley, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Tampa Bay August 25, 

1837; fever. 

16. Eastman, Calvin B., artificer Co. "B," died at Mullet Key July 30, 

1837; disease unknown. 

17. Foley, William, privt. Co. "F," died near Tampa Bay June 3, 1837: 

fever. 

18. Fullerton, A. W., privt. Co. "I." died at Jupiter Creek January 15, 

1838; killed in action. 

19. Gardner, Robert, sergt. Co. "G. " died at St. Augustine May 30, 1836; 

fever. 



132 Ponce de Leon Land. 

20. Griffeth, Benjamin, Co. "E," died at Wahoo Swamp November 21, 

1836; killed in action. 

21. Harris, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Drane April 2, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

22. Hill, Robert, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Gilleland June 20, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

23. Hamilton, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Picolata April 21, 1836; 

fever. 

24. Hubbard, James, sergt. Co. "H," died near Micanopy August 27, 

1836; fever. 

25. Hardy, Daniel, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine August 30, 

1836; fever. 

26. Harris, John, privt. Co. "C," died at St. Augustine September 6, 

1836; measles. 

27. Horane, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Tampa Bay November 9, 

1836; disease unknown. 

28. Houlihan, Cornelius, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke December 

27, 1836; disease unknown. 

29. Hickey, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke December 1, 

1837; disease unknown. 

30. Haggerty, Daniel, privt. Co. "A," died near Fort Pierce January 

3, 1838; disease unknown. 

31. Humphrey, Morgan L., privt. Co. "I," died at Jupiter River January 

14, 1838; inflammation of brain. 

32. Ingles, William, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke June 12, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

33. Jones, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Lake Thonotosassa, F., June 

7, 1837; intermittent fever. 

34. Johnson, Augusthia, corpl. Co. "C," died at St. Augustine June 4, 

1838; died of wounds. 

35. Kelly, Elias, privt. Co. "I." died at Fort Dade March 2, 1837; dis- 

ease unknown. 

36. Kepler, Jacob, privt. Co. "I," died at Jupiter Creek January 15, 

1838; killed in action. 

37. Lynch, James, sergt. Co. "B," died en route to Picolata March 2, 

1836; accidentally killed. 

38. Lomer, William, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine September 

4, 1836; disease unknown. 

39. Lawler, Charles, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Heileman December 

4, 1836; dysentery. 

40. Moody, James W., privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Drane January 8, 

1836; wounds received at battle of Withlacoochee December 
31, 1835. 

41. Moorman, Henry, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Drane June 19, 1836; 

fever. 

42. Mayfield, Benjamin, privt. Co. "F," died at Carey's Ferry June 18, 

1836; fever. 

43. Morris, Isaac, corpl. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke September 3, 

1836; disease unknown. 

44. Miles, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at St. Augustine October 14, 

1836; debility. 

45. Meade, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke November 4, 

1837; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 133 

46. Mills, John H., privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine March 22, 

1838; dysentery. 

47. Nash, Samuel, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Drane June 15, 1836; 

fever. 

48. O'Donaghey, Peter W., privt. Co. "C," died at Fort King October 9, 

1835; disease unknown. 

49. O'Neile, John, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine October 23, 

1836; disease unknown. 

50. Runyon, John, sergt. Co. "D," died en route to Florida' February 

27, 1836; killed accidentally. 

51. Robinson, George, privt. Co. "C." died at St. Augustine October 

14, 1836; fever. 

52. Sharpe, Thomas, privt. Co. "D," died near St Josephs May 8. 1836 

killed in action. 

53. Shay, Michael, privt. Co. "B," died at Garey's Ferry July 7, 1836 

bilious fever. 

54. Sherry, John, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine July 28, 1836 

inflammation of the liver. 

55. Sykes, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Drane August 21, 1836 

killed in action. 

56. Schroeder, Conrad, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine September 

25, 1836; dropsy. 

57. Stone, E. P., privt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine December 31, 

1836; fever. 

58. Smith, Thomas, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Brooke August 17, 

1837; disease unknown. 

59. Shearlock, James, privt, Co. "C," died at St. Augustine September 

8, 1837; disease unknown. 

60. Smith, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Marion December 22, 

1837; disease unknown. 

61. Viars, George, musn. Co. "C," died at Fort King November 23, 

1835; disease unknown. 

62. "Williams, John, 1st sergt. Co. "D," died at Fort Marion April 5, 

1836; shot by Privt. Samuel Wright. 

63. Wilson, George, privt. Co. "H," died at Picolata June 23, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

64. Waggott, John, corpl. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine August 22, 

1836; fever. 

65. Yerby, Charles T., sergt. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine November 

25, 1837.; pneumonia. 

2d Regiment of Artillery. 

1. Adams, Thomas B., 1st lieut. Co. *'H," died at Fort Dade, Decem- 

14, 1837; remittent fever. 

2. Basinger, W, E., 2d lieut. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 23, 1835; killed in action. 

3. Chambers, James A., capt. Co. "B," died at Baltimore December 

10. 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

4. Gardiner, G. W., capt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28. l':35; killed in action. 

5. Heileman, Julius F., major and bvt. lieut.-col., died at Fort Drane 

June 27, 1836; disease unknown. 



134 Ponce de Leon Land. 

6. Henderson. S. E., 2d lieut. Co. "E," died at Washington City July 

4, 1836; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

7. Henderson, R., Br. 2d lieut. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

8. Mellon. Charles, capt. Co. "C." died at Lake Monroe February 8, 

1837; died in action. 

9. Smyth, Constantine, 1st lieut. Co. "F," died near Fort King De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed by the Indians. 

1. Atkinson, James, corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke October 14, 

1836; inflammation of the brain. 

2. Allender, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Wahoo Swamp November 

21, 1836; killed in action. 

3. Belton, Edward, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

4. Black, Williams, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

5. Bourke, Richard, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

6. Barton, Rufus, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

7. Boyen, Owen, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

8. Bowen, Richard R., privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

9. Bondon, Henry, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

10. Barr, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Heileman June 3, 1837; 

disease unknowr. 

11. Byrne, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Foster March 9, 1838; 

typhoid fever. 

12. Brady, Daniel, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Clinch May 30. 1838; 

killed by the Indians. 

13. Cooper, Philip, sergt. Co. "C." died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

14. Clark, Nicholas, corpl. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

15. Curney, William, musn. Co. "C." died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

16. Craig, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

17. Cusack, Nicholas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Mellon September 23, 

1836; disease unknown. 

18. Collins, Edward, privt. Co. "F," died at Volusia November 18, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

19. DcCourcey, Edward, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

20. Dunlap, James, corpl. Co. "C." died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

21. Davis, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

22. Dunn, Francis, sergt. Co. "A," died at Camp Izard February 29, 

1836; killed in action. 



Ponce de Leon Land, 135 

23. DeGraff, Peter, privt. Co. "E," died at Wahoo Swamp November 

21, 1836; killed in action. 

24. Davis, William P.. corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Clinch May 20, 

1838; killed by the Indians. 

25. Ellsworth, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Port Pike April 17, 1838; 

dropsy. 

26. Foley, Dennis, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke April 25. 1836; 

chronic dysentery. 

27. Frams, Engleman, privt. Co. "E." died at Garey's Feriy August 14, 

1836; disease unknown. 

28. Franklin, Daniel, musn. Co. "C," died at Fort Peyton July 13, 1837; 

consumption. 

29. Fortune, Patrick, privt Co. "D," died at Fort Marion April 29, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

30. Green, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

31. Grant, Isaac C, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

32. Gillett, Alpheus, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

33. Gordon, Joseph, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Fostei January 26, 

1838; disease unknown. 

34. Gardner, Warren, privt, Co. "F," died at Fort Hanson February 27, 

1838; consumption. 

35. Hood, John, 1st sergt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

36. Heck, Charles T., musn. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

37. Howard, George, artificer Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

38. Halter, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

39. Hurley, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in actitm. 

40. Holmes, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

41. Hill, Cornelius, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed m action. 

42. Hanahan, Timothy, privt. Co. "H." died at Fort Brooke April 16, 

1836; gastritis. 

43. Holmes, James, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Drane May 31. 1836; 

disease unknown. 

44. Hall, Tristram P., musn, Co. "D," died at Fort Peyton September 

20, 1837; disease unknown. 

45. Hawk, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Foster October 31. 

1837; disease unknown. 

46. Hicks, Nathaniel, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Frazier March 14. 

1838; run over by wagon. 

47. Holland, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Clinch May 20, 1838; 

killed by the Indians. 

48. Jewell, Daniel, privt. Co. "C." died at Fort Pickens September 24, 

1835; bilious fever. 



136 Ponce de Leon Land. 

49. Jewell, Aaron, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

50. Jones, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Foster December 17, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

51. Kenney, Michael, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

52. Knarr, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

53. Keirns, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

54. King, James, privt. Co. "F," died at Volusia November 8, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

55. Kelly, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Pike March 9, 1838; dis- 

ease unknown, contracted in Florida. 
5G. Laughlin, Anthony, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 
cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

57. Lovis, John, sergt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

58. Larkens, James, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Mellon March 3, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

59. Larkins, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Clinch May 14, 1838: 

drowned in the Withlachoochee. 

60. McCartney, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 18o5; killed in action. 

61. McWiggin, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

62. McDonald, James, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

63. Mulvahal, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 
62. McMee, Hugh, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacree December 
28, 1835; killed in action. 

65. McGrau, William, artificer Co. "F," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

66. McFeely, James, privt. Co. "D," died at Carey's Ferry May 9. 1836; 

hepatitis. 

67. McKay, James, privt. Co. "F," died en route to Picolata July 25. 

1S36; disease unknown. 

68. McEnery, Hugh, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Heileman October 24. 

1837; disease unknown. 

69. Miller, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke October 12, 1837; 

scurvy. 

70. Merely, Samuel, privt. Co. "C," died at New Smyrna October 31. 

1837; disease unknown. 

71. Neeley, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, i835; killed in action. 

72. Perry, Hugh, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

73. Patten, John A., privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

."8. 1835; killed in action. 

74. Philips. Reuben, p^'ivt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28. 1835; killed in action. 



-Ponce de Leon Land. 137 

75. Paddy, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke January 15, 1836; 

tetanus. 

76. Pockman, Gideon, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Marion November 6, 

1836; disease unlinown. 

77. Power, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke May 7, 1837; 

drowned. 

78. Percy, Robert, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke September 19, 

1837; dysentery and scurvy. 

79. Rooney, Patrick, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

80. Ryan, Michael, corpl. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

81. Robertson, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

82. Rafferty, Patrick, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action, 

83. Reilly, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

84. Rodman, Robert, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Dade February 1, 

1837; disease unknown. 

85. Roache, William, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Heileman December 

27, 1837; consumption. 

86. Savin, Thomas, sergt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

87. Schneider, Caspar, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

88. Stafford, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

89. Shearecker, Andrew, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Drane December 

31, 1835; killed in action. 

90. Scanlon, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Carey's Ferry August 5, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

91. Scofield, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Marion September 10, 

1836; disease unknown. 

92. Sands, Hamilton, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke July 24, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

93. Scennet, Stephen, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Frazier October 16, 

1837; drowned. 

94. Streeter, Joseph, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Heileman December 

16, 1837; accidentally shot. 

95. Taylor, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

96. Taylor, Isaac, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

97. Taylor, Hiram, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

98. Thornton, Thomas, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1S35; killed in action. 

99. Tracy, Trueman, privt. Co. "F," died at Withlacoochie March 21, 

1836; disease unknown. 
100. Taylor, Whiteside, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke July 17, 
1837; drowned. 



138 Ponce dk Leon Ijand. 

101. Wilson, Joseph, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

102. Worcester, Orville, privt. Co. "C," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

103. Wright, William, privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

104. Wood, Thomas M., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke December 

3, 1835; effects of cold. 

3d Regiment of Artillery. 

1. Davidson, W. B., capt. Co. "K," died at Indian Key December 25, 

1840; diarrhea. 

2. Eraser, U. S., capt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

3. Garner, H., capt. Co. "G," died at Picolata October 23, 1841; yel- 

low fever. 

4. Herring, D. S., 1st lieut. Co. "I," died at St. Augustine June 22. 

1836; yellow fever. 

5. Jennings, R. S., 2d lieut. Co. "A, ' died at St. Augustine October 

12, 1839; yellow fever. 

6. Keais, I. L., bt. 2d lieut. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

7. Lyon, Elijah, capt. Co. "E," died at Washington November 19, 

1843; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

8. Maitland, W. S., bvt. capt. Co. "C," died at Charlotte Harbor 

August 19, 1837; drowned himself during temporory insanity 
caused by wounds received in Florida. 

9. Mudge, R. R., 2d lieut. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

10. Poole, B., 1st lieut. Co. "I," died at St. Augustine November 9, 

1839; yellow fever. 

11. Rodney, G. C, 1st lieut. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine Novem- 

ber 9, 1839; yellow fever. 

1. Arrowsmith, I. A., privt. Co. "G," died at sea June 21, 1842; chron- 

ic diarrhea. 

2. Brunton, John, Q. M. sergt. Co. "G," died at Picolata April 7, 1839; 

fever. 

3. Bangs. Jacob, sergt. Co. "I," died at Withlochoochee November 13, 
1836; drowned fording the river. 

4. Bell, John, sergt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 5, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

5. Brower, Parker, corpl. Co. "A," died at I.,ocha Hatchee January 24, 

1837; killed in action. 

6. Burke, Edward, artificer Co. "H," died at Locha Hatchee Janua- 

ry 24, 1837; killed in action. 

7. Bowen, Thomas, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine November 

30, 1837; fever. 

8. Balz, Frederick, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale February 

20, 1839; killed by the Indians. 

9. Brunham, A. I., privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Heileman June 10, 

1839; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 139 

10. Boyce, .Thomas, Privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale Septem- 

ber 27, 1839; killed by the Indians. 

11. Bennett, James, privt. Co. "B," died at New Smyrna September 

29, 1840; fever. 

12. Brunner, John, privt. Co. 'G." died at St. Augustine November 3. 

1841; yellow fever. 

13. Beck, John, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 9, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

14. Bertram, George, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28. 1835; killed in action. 

15. Chapman, Benj., sergt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

16. Chapin, Martin, privt. Co. "C," died at Volusia November 30, 1836; 

consumption. 

17. Christie, I., musn. Co. "G." died at St. Augustine October 9, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

18. Coulter, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Withlacoochie December 31, 

1835; killed in action. 

19. Carpenter, B. C, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

20. Cumasky, Patrick, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

21. Catlin, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Micanopy June 12. 1836; dis- 

ease unknown. 

22. Childs. Henry, privt. Co. "F," died at St. John's River August 1. 

1837; drowned. 

23. Conklin. Abram, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman May 13, 

1837; scurvy. 

24. Colclazin, Henry, privt. Co. "I," died at Picolata August 1, 1840; 

diarrhea. 

25. Campbell, John, privt. Co. "K," died at New Smyrna January 1, 

1840; dysentery. 

26. Connelly, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Pierce May 2, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

27. Cain, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata December 20, 1840; 

wounds received from Indians November 1. 

28. Callahan, John, privt. Co. "B," died at New Smyrna August 3, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

29. Carroll, John H., privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff August 18, 

1841; disease unknown. 

30. Chapman, James, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine October 18, 

1841; yellow fever. 

31. Cook, George W., privt. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 

26, 1841; drowned in an attempt to land. 

32. Dalton, Kinsley H., privt. Co. "H," died between Tampa and Fort 

King August 11, 1835; murdered by Indians when riding express. 

33. Dodge, Samuel E., privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

34. Dana, Crawford, privt. Co. "F." died in Florida September 23, 

1836; disease unknown. 

35. Decker, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale March 7, 

1839; disease unknown. 



140 Ponce de Leon Land. 

36. Donagan, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Heileman June 10, 

1839; disease unknown. 

37. Daley, Patrick, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale May 25. 

1839; disease unknown. 

38. Done], Alexander, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale April 

13, 1841; diarrhea. 

39. Dickens, William, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Pierce June 23. 

1841; disease unknown — accidental yound. 

40. Ebinger, Frederick, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke September 

27, 1835; disease unknown. 

41. Eber, John, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine April 11, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

42. Farley, A. C. W., sergt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- - 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

43. Fields, H. C, sergt. Co. "G," died at Picolata Road November 1, 

1840; killed by Indians while on escort duty. 

44. Furguson, John, corpl. Co. "E," died at Fort Browne July 3, 1840; 

Apoplexy. 

45. Flanagan, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

46. Folk, John C, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

47. Fuller, Abel, privt. Co. "D," died at Mosquito April 4, 1837; shot 
by Indians. 

48. Ford, Fred'k K., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale February 

20, 1839; shot by Indians. 

49. Frezil, Godlief, privt. Co. "B," died at New Orleans March 18, 1842; 

dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

50. Griffen, Joseph, sergt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 

8, 1841; yellow fever. 

51. Game, William, sergt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine October 26, 

1841; yellow fever. 

52. Gordon, C. R., musn. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 26, 

1841; drowned in landing. 

53. Gallagher, William, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine Novem- 

ber 9, 1841; yellow fever. 

54. Handy, H. S., sergt. Co. "B," died at Picolata December 23, 1838; 

intermittent fever. 

55. Hanniford, M., corpl. Co. "E," died at New Smyrna November 11. 

1839; fever. 

56. Hire, Frederick, artfr. Co. "E," died at Indian River March 18, 

1838; disease unknown. 

57. Hurlyhigh, George, privt. Co. "B." died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

58. Hall, Jordan, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

59. Heyer. Aaron, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Heileman August 27, 

1836; brain fever. 

60. Houseman, Henry, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Mellon January 22. 

1838; disease unknown. 

61. Holland, Edw., privt. Co. "F," died at Picolata April 28, 1838; 

diarrhea. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 141 

62. Hall, Elijah, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Columbus October 22. 

1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

63. Hopkins, Edward, privt Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale Septem- 

ber 27, 1839; killed by Indians. 

64. Horn, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Lauderdale May 31, 1841- 

drowned while on duty. 

65. Hilligas, Jacob, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Monroe July 21, 1841; 

diarrhea contracted in Florida. 

66. Hudson, William, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 5. 

1841; yellow fever. 

67. Jones, Alexander, corpl. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

68. Jackson, Henry, corpl. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 

26, 1841; drowned in landing. 

69. Johnson, Samuel, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Armstrong Novem- 

ber 20, 1836; fever. 

70. Jackson, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Sullivan April 27, 1839; 

killed by Indians. 

71. Jenkins, Henry, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine November 8, 

1841; yellow fever. 

72. Kinkerly, Samuel, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

73. Kneeland, Jacob, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1836; killed in action. 

74. Kinsley, Isaac R., privt. Co. "H," died at Carey's Ferry, place of 

death unknown; disease unknown. 

75. Kneezle, William, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 

12, 1837; disease unknown. 

76. Kennedy, Lawrence, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Brooke Novem- 

ber 16, 1836; disease unknown. 

77. Kent, Elias C. privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Jupiter February 16, 

1838; fever. 

78. King, Bernard, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Dallas August 9, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

79. Kellar, John, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 9, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

80. Kenny, Michael, privt. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 

26, 1841; drowned in an attempt to land. 

81. Lemon, Samuel, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decembei; 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

82. Lesker, Morris A., privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine November 

4, 1837; disease unknown. 

83. Leonard, Cornelius, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine November 

11, 1837; disease unknown. 

84. Laden, Jeremiah, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata July 21, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

85. Lannon, Patrick, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 21, 

1841; yellow fever.' 

86. Lane, David, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Columbus September 5. 

1841; wound received in discharge of duty at Fort Pierce. 

87. Lunder, Wm. P., privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 28, 

1841; yellow fever. 



142 Ponce dk Leon Land. 

88. Lick, Jacob, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata November 14, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

89. McMahon, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Wetumplca .\ugust 17, 

1835; disease imknown. 
30. McCully, Cyrus, sergt. Co. "I," died at Fort Dallas January 1, 1840; 

killed by accidental fall. 
91 Montgomery, C. D.. artif. Co. "C." died at Withlaooochie December 

31, 1835; killed in action. 

92. Minton, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

93. Monroe, Donald, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

94. Mulcahy, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28. 1835; killed in action. 

95. Miller, Alfred, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine July 2, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

96. Mattock, Jacob, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 7, 

1837; disease unknown. 

97. MpCrom, Edward, privt. Co. "D," died at Matanzas Bar August — , 

1837; drowned. 

98. McGuire, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Picolata December 23, 

1838; disease unknown. 

99. McCormick, I., privt. Co. "G." died at Picolata January — , 1839; 

disease unknown. 

100. McGinn, John M., privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke April 9. 1839; 

inflammation of the bowels.' 

101. Montgomery, Thomas, privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Lauderdale 

September 21, 1839; disease unknown. 

102. Mitchell, Robert, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Lawson November 

11, 1839; disease unknown. 

103. Mustell, Joseph, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata Road November 

1, 1840; killed by the Indians. 

104. McCauley, William, privt. Co. "E." died at St. Augustine Novem- 

ber 1, 1840; yellow fever. 

105. McMahon, Peter, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Lauderdale Septem- 

ber 12, 1841; diarrhea. 
lOG. Morrison, John, privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 30, 
1841; yellow fever. 

107. Marley, Francis, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 

5, 1841; yellow fever. 

108. Malay, John, privt. Co. "G." died at St. Augustine November 

5, 1841; yellow fever. 

109. McAllister, Ralph, privt. Co. "1," died at Punta Rassa November. 

2, 1841; yellow fever. 

110. McGuire, James, privt. Co. "F." died at Fort Pierce December 23. 

1841; dysentery. 

111. Noble, John, musn. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 26, 

1841; drowned in landing. 

112. Nugent, .Tames, privt. Co. "D," died at St. .\ugnstine December 7, 

1837; yellow fever. 

113. Passmore, Francis, pinvt. Co. "I." died at Fort Brooke May 21, 

1836; typhus fever. 



Ponce dp: Leon Land. 143 

114. Peri-y, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke October «. 

1839; wounds received accidentally. 

115. Peters, Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine October 23. 

1841; yellow fever. 

116. Perry, Chas. D., privt. Co. "E," died at St. Augustine October 2(i, 

1841; yellow fever. 

117. Quinn, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 26, 

1841; drowned in attempting to land. 
1171/^. Randall, Wm. B., privt. Co. "H," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 
ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

118. Rurey, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Russell May 29, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

119. Runer, Christie, privt. Co. "E," died at Indian River Bar October 

26, 1841; drowned in attempting to land. 

120. Riley, Michael, privt. Co. "G," died at Picolata October 1, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

121. Ryan, Heni-y, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 6. 

1841; yellow fever. 

122. Reddy, William, privt. Co. "G." died at St. Augustine November 

10, 1841; yellow fever. 

123. Reed, John, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 8. 

1841; yellow fever. 

124. Riley, Charles, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine August 26, 

1837; yellow fever. 

125. Ryan, Thomas, privt. Co. "'H," died at Palatka June 25. 1838; dis- 

ease unknown. 

126. Roberts, William, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 

6, 1841; yellow fever. 

127. Skinner, E., sergt. Co. "E," died at Micanopy June 6, 1836; dis- 

ease unknown. 

128. Sarles, Willard, sergt. Co. "I," died at Fort Lauderdale January 

22, 1841; wounds received in battle. 

129. Schaffer, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

130. Sennan, Henry, privt. Co. "B,"' died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

131. Shirley, Robert, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine July 5, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

132. Sheridan, Wm., privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine September 4. 

1837; disease unknown. 

133. Storey, William, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Taylor March 26, 

1838; fever. 

134. Smith, Riley, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine March 3, 1837: 

yellow fever. 

135. Smith, James, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine May 23, 1838: 

yellow fever. 

136. Smithwilkie, F., privt. Co. "D," died at Picolata January 11, 1839; 

yellow fever. 

137. Shilts, Daniel, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 15. 

1841; yellow fever. 

138. Troop, Theodore, sergt. Co. "B," died at Fort Mellon May 26. 1837 ; 

intermittent fever. 



144 Ponce de Leon Land. 

139. Tuck, Washin^on, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

140. Treat, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Heileman August 28. 

1836; wounds received in battle of Fort Drane. 

141. Tufts, Andrew, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Mellon . 1838; 

disease unknown. 

142. Thatchell, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Lauderdale June 6, 

1840; drowned while on duty. 

143. Vailing, John, sergt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

144. Vreeland, Richard, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

145. Vanderklop, L., privt. Co. "F," died at Picolata January 18, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

146. Wilson, Levi, sergt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 8, 

1841; yellow fever. 

147. Wells, Philander, corpl. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, Decem- 

ber 28, 1835, killed in action. 

148. Wagner, Henry, artfr. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

149. Wright, Saml. S., privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

150. Williams, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

151. Welch, Sylvester, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

152. Weshing, Daniel, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre, Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

153. Washburn, Holton, privt. Co. "D," died at St. Augustine November 

2, 1837; disease unknown. 

154. Webel, Charles, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine . 1838; 

disease unknown. 

155. Williams, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Lauderdale July 23, 

1840; fever. 

156. Young, George C, corpl. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

157. York, George, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December, 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

158. Yarnell, Richard, privt. Co. "D," died at Picolata January 18, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

4th Regiment of Artillery. 

1. Adams, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke October 4, 1837; 

dysentery. 

2. Buckley, Isaac, privt. Co. "C." died at St. Augustine January 1, 

1837; disease unknown. 

3. Clark, Smith S., sergt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine October 13, 

1837; bilious fever. 

4. Cavanagh, Dennis, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Mellon November 

30, 1838; fever. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 145 

5. Carles, Peter, privt. Co. "F," died at Tampa Bay April 15, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

6. Chandler, John, privt. Co. "H," died at St. Augustine January 2, 

1837; disease unknown. 

7. Campbell, Alex. S., corp. Co. "C," died at Fort Monroe, Va., No- 

vember 14, 1843; disease contracted in Florida. 

8. Dawley, Ira, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Butler, Tenn., June 2, 

1838; disease contracted in Florida. 

9. Duckies, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Micanopy March 31, 1839; 

chronic diarrhea. 

10. Eckhart, Christian F., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Heileman August 

11, 1837; accidental wound in the eye. 

11. Ellis, Robert, privt. Co. "E," died at Picolata February 9, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

12. Fisher, Frederick, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Heileman August 11, 

1836; fever. 

13. Girdes, Wm. R. F., privt. Co. "H," died at Volusia January 11, 

1837; fever. 

14. Harding, John, privt. Co. "G," died near Fort Fowle January 19, 

1839; killed by the Indians. 

15. Hughes, James, artifr. Co. "H," died at Volusia April 22, 1837; 

fever. 

16. Jones, William, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort King June 24, 1837;, 

disease unknown. 

17. Mattison, Harvey P., corp. Co. "B," died at Tohopikilago January 

27, 1837; waylaid and shot by Indians. 

18. Miller, James, sergt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine February 25, 

1839; scrofula. 

19. Macutchen, Robert, artifr.. Co. "C," died at St. Augustine January 

1, 1839; consumption. 

20. Mullady, Joseph, privt. Co. "F," died at Trenton, N. J., September 

9, 1839; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

21. Murty, James, privt. Co. "H," died at Garey's Ferry November 21, 

18^8; dysentery. 

22. Nunnenmacher, John, sergt. Co. "F," died at Jefferson, Ga., May 

30, 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

23. Plunket, Laurence, privt. Co. "A," died at Picolata June 6, 1837; 

bilious fever. 

24. Pardon, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Heileman August 1, 1837; 

drowned. 

25. Pierce, John G., privt. Co. "C," died at St. Augustine March 13, 

1837; disease unknown. 

26. Prater, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort King September 27, 

1837; disease unknown. 

27. Powers, John, corpl. Co. "F," died at Fort Heileman November 4, 

1838; disease unknown. 

28. Ryan, James, privt. Co. "A," died at Picolata January 19, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

29. Roll, George L., sergt. Co "G," died at sea April IS, 1S39; disease 

contracted in Florida. 

30. Rebern, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Columbus November 

27, 1838; disease contracted in Florida. 



146 Ponce de Leon Land. 

31. Schultz, Francis, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Heileman September 

4, 1838; disease contracted in Florida. 

32. Sharpe, Joseph, privt. Co. "C," died at Withlacoochie Rivt. No- 

vember 13, 1836; drowned fording river. 

33. Spencer, William, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Drane December 

25, 1836; wound received while on a scout. 

34. Shaver, Daniel A., privt. Co. "F," died at Fort White August 18. 

1837; disease unknown. 

35. Theis, William, sergt. Co. "H," died at Wahoo Swamp November 

21, 1836; killed in action. 

36. Walker, Joseph P., artifr. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine January 

13, 1839; disease unknown. 

37. Wallace, Clinton, privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa Bay , 1837; dis- 

ease unknown. 

38. Woodruff, Hiram, privt. Co. "I," died near Micanopy April 29, 

1838; killed by the Indians. 

1st Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Barker, Thomas, capt. Co. "D," died at Tampa Bay November 13, 

1839; disease unknown. 

2. Lancaster, I. R. H., 2d lieut. Co. "I." died at Crystal River July 5, 

1841; killed by lightning. 

3. Mitchell, Enos G., capt. Co. "F," died at Fort Roger Jones June 

10, 1839; bilious fever. 

4. McClure, I., 2d lieut. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay April 5, 1838; 

fever. 

5. Pew, W. W., 2d lieut. Co. "F," died at Fort Roger Jones June 11, 

1839; bilious fever. 

6. Shannon, Samuel, capt. A. Q. M., died at Tallahassee September 

4, 1836; disease unknown. 

1. Albert, Henry, privt. Co. "A," died at sea August 5, 1841; disease 

unknown. 

2. Ardough, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Camp Walker May 13, 1838; 

fever. 

3. Burns, Patrick, corpl. Co. "K," died at Fort Gardiner May 3, 1838 : 

fever. 

4. Boyle, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Armistead March 23, 

1841; fever. 

5. Brant, Frederick, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Armistead June 11, 

1841; fever. 

6. Bahuson, Theodore, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Jackson Septem- 

ber 19, 1840; bilious fever. 

7. Brown, William, privt, Co. "D," died at Fort Fanning July 29. 

1839; intermittent fever. 

8. Buller, Charles, privt. Co. "E," died at Ford Crawford W. T., Feb- 

ruary 18, 1842; consumption, contracted in Florida. 

9. Bulger, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Can: Morgan July 15, 1841: 

fever. 
10. Bertrand, Henry, privt. Oo. "F," died at Tampa Bay March 14, 
1841; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 

11. Bouveite, John P., privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Armistead March 

11, 1841; chronic diarrhea. 

12. Burton, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant May 25. 1840; 

fever. 

13. Brenton, John H.. privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant May 20. 

1840; fever. 

14. Burns. Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant August 27, 

1840; fever. 

15. Binman, George, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Gardiner April 1, 

1838; fever. 

16. Bond. William, privt. Co. "H," died at Picolata July 31, 1838; 

fever. 

17. Bingham, James, privt. Co. "H," died at Tampa Bay, February 27, 

1839; fever. 

18. Byrne, James, privt. Co. "I." died at Fort Brooke October 5, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

19. Bowis, Lewis, privt. Co. "I." died at Fort Lawson November 11, 

1839; disease unknown. 

20. Carlin, Matthew, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Armistead March 29, 

1841; fever. 

21. Chapman, Jacob, privt. Co. "A." died at Fort Poinsett June 26, 

1841; fever. 

22. Collins, John, privt. Co. "A," died at sea August 5, 1841 ; dis- 

ease unknown. 

23. Cammel, James, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke November — , 

1840; disease unknown. 

24. Christopher, Lemuel, privt. Co. "C," died at Jefferson Bks. Sep- 

tember 4, 1841; congestive fever, contracted in Florida. 

25. Clark, Michael, privt. Co. "D," died near Fort Fanning September 

10, 1839; shot by the Indians while on escort. 

26. Cameron, Douglas, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke October 2, 

1839; disease unknown. 

27. Clarke, Orian S., privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys April 11, 

1841; disease unknown. 

28. Clarke, Lewis, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Barker August 5, 1840; 

drowned in consequence of derangement caused by fever. 

29. Call, Morris, privt. Co. "F," died near Fort Cross June 12, 1839; 

shot by Indians. 

?0. Crussell, Madison, privt. Co. "F." died at Fort St. Augustine No- 
vember 27, 1839; bilious fever. 

n. Cunningham, Chris, privt. Co. "E," died at Jefferson Barracks Oc- 
tober 17, 1841; consumption contracted in Florida. 

"i2. Connel, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay May 25, 1838; 
cause of death unknown. 

i3. Develin, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Crawford, W. T., Sep- 
tember 20, 1841; consumption contracted in Florida. 

<4. Dakin, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Traders' Hill, Ga., November 
17, 1838; disease imknown, contracted in Florida. 

35. Dunn, Andrew, privt Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke August 25. 

1839; disease unknown. 

36. Douglass, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Heileman August 2 

1838: disease unknown. 



148 Ponce de Leon Land. 

37. Delinger, Jacob, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys September 16, 

1840; chronic dysentery. 

38. Deitmer, Adam, privt. Co. "E," died at Cantonment Morgan July 

30, 1841; fever. 

39. Davis, Henry A., privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys May 25, 1841; 

fever. 

40. Dever, Theodore, privt. Co. "H," died near Fort Macomb October 

9, 1840; shot by the Indians while on express. 

41. Dury, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Lawson June 5, 1839; ac- 

cidentally shot by Private A. M. Morris. 

42. Eagan, Joseph, privt. Co. "A," died at sea August 9, 1841; disease 

unknown, contracted in Florida. 

43. Ellis, Richard, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Macomb September 

2, 1840; fever. 

44. Flower, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Stansbury September 

10, 1840; fever. 

45. Foley, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Monroe, Va., Novem- 

ber 13, 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

46. Fenn, Jacob, privt. Co. "G," died at Black Creek September 27. 

1839; fractured skull. 

47. Forest, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Crawford, W. T., Sep- 

tember 27, 1841; fever contracted in Florida. 

48. Fox, Michael, privt. Co. "I," died at Cantonment Morgan May 10, 

1841; fever. 

49. Garner, John N. R., sergt. Co. "F," died at sea November 12, 

1840; chronic diarrhea. 

50. Giles, Geo H., privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Clinch December 13, 

1838; disease unknown. 

51. Griffith, E. L., privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke November 11. 

1839; disease unknown. 

52. Glenn, Samuel, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Heileman July 5, 1838; 

shot by a citizen. 

53. Griffiths, John, privt. .Co. "G," died at Black Creek October 8. 

1839; fever. 

54. Hessen, Edward, sergt. Co. "B," died near Fort Macomb Septem- 

ber 3, 1840; drowned on express from Ft. Jackson to Ft. Macomb. 

55. Halloran, Patrick, corpl. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys October 26. 

1840; disease unknown. 

56. Hagadoon, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Jefferson Bks. Septem- 

ber 4, 1841; chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

57. Hockaday, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Charleston, S. C, Sep- 

tember 3, 1839; yellow fever — left Florida sick. 

58. Howard, Wm. C, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine November 

12, 1839; yellow fever. 

59. Haggerty, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at Cedar Keys May 4, 

1841; congestive fever. 

60. Hines, Ambrose B., privt. Co. "B," died on Mississippi River, near 

the Ohio, August 26, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in 
Florida. 

61. Hobble, Joseph, privt. Co. "B," died on Mississippi River, near 

the Salina, August 30, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in 
Florida. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 149 

62. Hubbard, Aaron, privt. Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay, October 9. 

1840; disease unknown. 

63. Henderson, Alexander, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Armistead Feb- 

ruary 27, 1841; typhoid fever. 

64. Hough, John, privt. Co. "D," died at sea August 10, 1841; acute 

dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

65. Harrison, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Norton, Ga., Septem- 

ber 17, 1838; disease unknown. 

66. Heimer, John, privt. Co. "F," died near Fort Cross June 12, 1839: 

shot by the Indians. 

67. Houseman, Aaron, privt. Co. "H," died at Micanopy December 13, 

1838; fever. 

68. Harvey, John, privt. Co. "H," died near Fort Macomb September 

15, 1839; fever. 

69. Hancock, Lorenzo D., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort White July 6. 

1838; disease unknown. 

70. Hoit, George, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Clinch December 23. 

1838; disease unknown. 

71. Klousman, Francis, privt. Co. "B," died at Cedar Keys June 19, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

72. Kornes, David, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Fanning October 20. 

1839; diarrhea. 

73. Kitt, Philip, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke October 22, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

74. Kilpatrick, James, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Crawford, W. T., 

September 7, 1841; fever contracted in Florida. 

75. Laylock, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

June 22, 1841; gangrene of lungs — sent from Florida sick. 

76. Lynch, Edward, privt. Co. "C," died at sea October 11, 1841; dis- 

ease unknown. 

77. Lame, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Fanning September 13, 

1839; wounds received from Indians while on escort. 

78. Lappin, Dennis, privt. Co. "G," died at Black Creek July 14, 1839; 

fever. 

79. Losburgh, Frederick, privt. Co. "G," died at Camp Gamble Novem- 

ber 21, 1839; fever. 

80. LeHunt, Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Armistead April 25, 

1841; fever. 

81. Luon, Elisha, privt. Co. "G," died at sea August 9, 1841; fever. 

82. Lynde, Adolphus I., privt Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys May 3, 1841; 

fever. 

83. Lazenby, John, privt. Co. "H,' died at Cedar Keys May 21, 1841; 

fever. 

84. Lee, John, privt Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys July 20, 1841; fever. 

85. Morris, Thos. S., corpl. Co. "G," died at sea August 12, 1841; fever. 

86. McMullen, James, musn. Co. "E," died at Fort Armistead April 3. 

1841; fever. 

87. McKetchnie, Neal, privt. Co. "B," died at Jefferson Bks. September 

3, 1841; chronic diarrhea contracted in Florida. 

88. Mitchell, Alex., privt. Co. "C," died Jefferson Bks. September 3, 

1841; congestive fever. 



150 Ponce de Leon Land. 

89. Moore, Daniel, privt. Co. "E," died at New Orleans June 10, 1838; 

disease unknown — sent from Florida sick. 

90. Myer, Frederick, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys June 12, 

1841; fever. 

91. McDonough, Andrew, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke November 

13, 1839; disease unknown. 

92. Moore, Josiah, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Lawson November 6, 

1839; disease unknown. 

93. Moyer, George, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Armistead March 14, 

1841; congestive fever. 

94. McBride, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke March 2, 

1841; fever. 

95. McLaughlin, Thomas, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Armistead April 

29, 1841; fever. 

96. McLane, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Atkinson, I. T., No- 

vember 14, 1841; consumption, contracted in Florida. 

97. O'Neil, Thomas, privt. Co. "I," died at Can. Morgan July 21, 1841; 

pulmonary affections. 

98. O'Leary, Michael, privt. Co. "K," died at Jefferson Barracks Sep- 

tember 26, 1841; dropsy, contracted in Florida. 

99. Parks, George, sergt. Co. "G," died at St. Augustine November 6, 

1839; fever. 

100. Phillips, Henry S., privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Barker September 

17, 1840; bursting of an Indian rifle. 

101. Ponton, William, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Frazer March 5, 1838; 

fever. 

102. Patterson, John C, privt. Co. "K," died at Cantonment Morgan 

July 30, 1841; brain fever. 

103. Rutan, Cornelius, musn. Co. "F," died at St. Augustine September 

11, 1839; concussion of brain — accidental fall from a horse. 

104. Roberts, Samuel S., privt. Co. "A, died at Fort Crawford, W. T., 

October 9, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

105. Rogers, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Jefferson Barracks Septem- 

ber 3, 1841; congestive fever, contracted in Florida. 

106. Rawson, Gideon E., privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys August 17, 

1841; inflammation of intestines. 

107. Robinson, David, privt. Co. "G," died at Black Creek July 4, 1839; 

drowned. 

108. Rudkin, Edward, privt. Co. "G." died at Fort Oscilla March 21, 

1840; fever. 

109. Smith, George, musn. Co. "A." died at Fort Stansbury May 21, 

1841; drowned. 

110. Senaider, Charles F., privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Armistead April 

21, 1841; disease unknown. 

111. Stack, Charles, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Armistead April 20, 

1841; disease unknown. 

112. Smith, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Snelling September 

12, 1841; diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

113. Spawassen, Frederick, privt. Co. "G," died at Palatka August 12, 

1838; disease unknown. 

114. Sandford, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant July 9. 

1840; fever. 



Ponce de Leon Land. i5i 

115. Smidt, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant August 21, 1840; 

fever. 

116. Schem. John, privt. Co. '/G," died at Fort Armistead February .3 

1841; fever. 

117. Taylor, Abraham, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine November 

26, 1839; yellow fever. 

118. Taylor, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Fanning February 

16, 1840; disease unknown. 

119. Thomas, George W., privt. Co. "B," died on Mississippi River Sep- 

tember 9, 1841; fever contracted in Florida. 

120. Thompson, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Fanning May 23. 

1840; fever contracted in Florida. 

121. Tomb, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Henderson, Ga., J*ly 6, 

1839; shot by Corporal Ross. 

122. Trimbles, Edward, privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys December 

23, 1840; consumption. 

123. Tearners, Gilbert, privt. Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys May 10, 1841; 

congestive fever. 

124. Thatcher, William, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Winnebago, W. T., 

October 5, 1841; dysentery and fever, contracted in Florida. 

125. Weist, M., sergt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay May 1, 1838; fever. 

126. Williams, John M., corpl. Co. "E," died at Fort Gilmore, Ga., No- 

vember 7, 1840; congestive fever. 

127. Wiland, Lewis, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Crawford, W. T.. April 

14, 1842; consumption contracted in Florida. 

128. Williams, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay June 9, 1838; 

shot by Private Morrell. 

129. Wright, John H., privt. Co. "E," died at Jefferson Barracks Sej)- 

tember 6, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

130. Westley, Elisha. privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant July 9. 1840; 

fever. 

131. Ward, Richard, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke November 19, 

1839; fever. 

132. Yearick, Gabriel, sergt. Co. "I," died at Fort Barker April 25, 

1840; wound — shot by Indians while in charge of a wagon train. 

133. Youart, John, corpl. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine October 18. 

1839; inflammation of the brain. 

134. Yell, Henry, privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata September — , 1838; 

fever. 

135. Zenger, Ferdinand, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

September 14, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

2d Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Russell, Samuel L., capt. Co. "I," died at Miami River February 

28, 1839; killed in action. 

2. Woodruff, C. E., 1st lieut. Co. "A," died at Fort Holmes April 17. 

1841; acute dysentery. 

1. Allen, Thomas, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Shannon December ? ' 

1841; consumption. 

2. Austin, Calvin, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort King July 23, IS^', 

dysentery. 



152 Ponce de Leon Land. 

3. Aikem, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort White December 16. 

1838; disease unltnown. 

4. Archer, Robert, corpl. Co. "F," died near Fort White June 30, 

1839; killed by the Indians. 

5. Annis, Ephraim, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning October 8, 

1839; disease unknown. 

6. Brien, George, sergt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys August 5, 1840; 

consumption. 

7. Bryson, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Holmes March 28. 

1841; scrofula. 
S. Bradley, Henry, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke November 6, 

1837; disease unknown. 
9. Baum, Henry, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Shannon December 7, 

1841; tetanus. 

10. Brown, Sheppard, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Heileman Novem- 

ber 23, 1839; disease unknown. 

11. Bennett, Harman, corpl. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke May 4, 

1838; disease unknown. 

12. Brady, Samuel, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell October 2. 

1841; inflammation. 

13. Boland, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Picolata April 14, 1838; di- 

arrhea. 

14. Connolly, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke March 8, 1837; 

change of climate. 

15. Clifford, Daniel, privt. Co. "A," died at Charlotte Harbor January 

28, 1838; exposure — was lost 5 or 6 days. 

16. Curren, George M., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Micanopy April 8, 

1840; fever. 

17. Christian, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort King August 25, 1841; 

congestive fever. 

18. Carnes, Edward, privt. Co. "B," died at Haw Creek January 25, 

1842; killed in action. 

19. Chapman, James, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Shannon March 4, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

20. Cooper, David, privt. Co. "C," died at St. John's Bluff February 

15, 1842; chronic diarrhea. 

21. Castle, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning October 8. 

1839; disease unknown. 

22. Calver, Barney, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Russell October 26, 

1840; consumption. 

23. Cassady, James, privt. Co. "H." died at Fort King August 12, 

1840; dysentery. 

24. Croker, Thomas, privt. Co. "K," died at Picolata December 7, 

1837; disease unknown. 

25. Dougherty, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Picolata October 14. 

1840; dysentery. 

26. Duffy, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at St. John's Bluff November 

10, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

27. Delinger, Geo. W., privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Drane October 11, 

1836; apoplexy. 

28. Desbrough, Aaron, corpl. Co. "H," died at Fort King August 11. 

1840; dysentery. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 153 

29. Dugan, Patrick, privt. Co. "H," died on Ocklawaha river March. 

S, 1842; shot accidentally by discharge of musket. 

30. Dearborn, George, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell September 

15, 1840; debility. 

31. Donnell, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Livingston Ferry Septem- 

ber 18, 1838; drowned. 

32. Eastman, Thos. W., privt. Co. "B," died at sea June 28, 1839; 

chronic dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

33. Faze, Tictus, privt. Co. "B." died at Fort Russell May 2, 1842; 

congestive fever. 

34. French, Samuel, privt. Co. "C," died at Alligator October 20, 1839; 

bilious fever. 

35. Fullington, Richard, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort King August 9, 

1841; bilious fever. 

36. Farrell, James, musn. Co. "K," died at Fort Walker April 22, 

1840; shot — murdered by Sergt. T. Strong. 

37. French, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Wacahoota May 5, 1840; 

gravel. 

38. Gilbert, Cyrus, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Russell November 26, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

39. Gilbert, Peter, fifer Co. "G," died Fort Brooke May 29, 1838; 

debility. 

40. Griggs, Philo C, sergt Co. "K," died between Micanopy and Waca- 

hoota May 19, 1840; killed or taken prisoner by Indians. 

41. Hall, John, sergt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooks May 2, 1838; con- 

sumption. 

42. Hosey, Gedlon, Privt. Co. "A," died at St. John's Bluff October 8, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

43. Hawley, James, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Brooke May 4, 1839; 

chronic dysentery. 

44. Harper, John, privt. Co. "D," died at St. John's Bluff March 1, 

1842; fungus haematodes. 

45. Hanley, David, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort White October 20, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

46. Hickey, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Russell August 12, 

1840; disease unknown. 

47. Hannus, I. W., privt. Co. "G," died at Lake Monroe June 26, 1840; 

drowned. 

48. Herron, Edward, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell September 1, 

1839; dysentery. 

49. Hyde, Matthew, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell November 19, 

1840; fever. 

50. Hogan, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Charles Ferry July 22, 1838; 

drowned. 

51. Heath, Elijah, privt. Co. "K," died at Camp Sherrard August 16, 

1838; chronic dysentery. 

52. Hotchkiss, Calvin, privt. Co. "K," died near Micanopy May 19, 

1S40; killed or taken prisoner by Indians. 

53. Houck, David, privt. Co. "K," died at Orange Creek March 2, 

1841; killed in action. 

54. Hood, Frederick, privt. Co. "K," died at St. John's Bluff November 

13, 1841; dysentery. 



154 Ponce de Leon Land. 

55. Hoogenaeur, Geo. I., privt. Co. "K." died at St. John's Bluff March 

8, 1842; disease unknown. 

56. Jones, Edward, privt. Co. "D," died at sea June 5, 1842; congestive 

fever, contracted in Florida. 

57. Jones, Ephraim, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell October 10, 

1840; dysentery. 

58. Jeffers, Patrick, privt. Co. "K," died near Micanopy May 19, 1840; 

killed or taken prisoner by Indians. 

59. Keiffer, John, privt. Co. "B," died on Ocklawaha river December 

13, 1838; chronic dysentery. 

60. Kelly, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort King May 14, 1841; con- 

gestive fever. 

61. King, William, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort White July 27, 1839; 

disease unknown. 

62. Kelcher, Richard, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Thompson March 4, 

1838; opthalmia. 

63. Kennedy, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died off Cape Hatteras June 7. 

1842; dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

64. Kroeger, Auguste F., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Sherrard October 

17, 1839; chronic dysentery. 

65. Leonard, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke May 4, 

1838; dysentery. 

66. Larrigan, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke August 17, 

1838; disease unknown. 

67. Lyons, Timothy, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Russell November 13. 

1840; fever. 

68. Laing, Robert, corpl. Co. "G," died at Orange Creek March 2, 1841; 

killed by Indians. 

69. Lighthipe, Jacob, privt. Co. "H." died at Fort No. 11 May 6, 

1840; consumption. 

70. Lehning, Daniel, privt. Co. "K." died at Camp Sherrard Septem- 

ber 26, 1838; bilious fever. 

71. Major, John, drummer Co. "A," died at Fort No. 16 April 10, 1840; 

dropsy. 

72. McCullen, Michael, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Heileman October 

13, 1839; fever. 

73. McCloskey, Francis, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Holmes October 

17, 1840; bilious fever. 

74. Murray, Richard, privt. Co. "B." died at Fort Holmes November 

25, 1840; scurvy. 

75. Mahoney, Jeremiah, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort White April 12, 
1839; dysentery. 

76. McConnell, David, privt. Co. "C." died at Fort No. 16 November 8. 

1839; bilious fever. 

77. Maxwell, George S., privt. Co. "C." died at Fort King February 16, 

1841; bilious fever. 

78. Murphy, D., privt. Co. "D," died at Port King August 9, 1840; 

dysentery. 

79. McClelland, James, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort King February 11. 

1840; congestive fever. 

80. Moolick, John, privt Co. "E," died at St. John's Bluff November 

7, 1841; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 155 

81. McGuire, Terrence, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Henderson, Ga.. 

November 13, 1841; consumption. 

82. Middleton, Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooks April 1. 

1838; disease unknown. 

83. Martin, Peter, privt. Co. "G," died at St. Jolan's Bluff Novembei- 

29, 1841; dysentery. 

84. Mustin, Peter, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Mellon December 5. 

1841; dysentery. 

85. Miller, C. H. S., privt. Co. "G," died at St. John's Bluff January 22. 

1842; disease unknown. 

86. McKeavy, John, corpl. Co. "H," died near Itonia Scrub March 20. 

1839; killed by Indians while on surveying party. 

87. Morton, A. P., sergt. Co. "H," died Savannah, Ga., September 24. 

1840; fever, contracted in Florida. 

88. McMillen, James, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort King December 12, 

1841; dysentery. 

89. McKonkey, James, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff Decem- 

ber 18, 1841; dysentery. 

90. Mure, Robert, privt. Co. *'H." died at Fort King February 6, 1842; 

chronic dysentery. 

91. Moon, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell August 23, 1839; 

dysentery. 

92. McPherson, Martin, privt. Co. "I,"' died at Picolata November 26. 

1840; debility. 

93. McDonald, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Russell Februai-y 17. 

1841; consumption. 

94. Maynard, John I., privt. Co. "1," died at Fort Shannon November 

8, 1841; dropsy. 

95. McBride, Edward, pri\t. Co. "I," died at Fort Shannon January 1. 

1842; dysentery. 

96. Mitchell, Thomas, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Mellon April 4, 

1838; dysentery. 

97. Murphy, Edward, privt. Co. "K," died at Camp Sherrard October 

16, 1838; drowned while on duty. 

98. Merrick, Lewis, privt. Co. "K," died at Orange Creek March 2. 

1841; killed in action. 

99. Myer, Philip, privt. Co. "K," died at St. John's Bluff November 30, 

1841; disease unknown. 

100. Norris, William, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke June 19, 1838; 

consumption. 

101. O'Connell, Dennis, privt. Co. "I," died at St. John's Bluff August 

7, 1841; consumption. 

102. O'Dere, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Camp Sherrard February 12. 

1839; chronic dysentery. 

103. Osborne, William, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine November 

29, 1839; chronic diarrhea. 

104. Peasley, Robert, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Henderson, Ga., De- 

cember 6, 1841; diarrhea. 

105. Perry, Oliver H., corpl. Co. "K," died at Fort Russell February 8. 

1842; congestive fever. 

106. Quinn, Patrick, privt. Co. "C," died at Traders' Hill, Ga.. February 

1, 1842; dysentery. 



156 Ponce de Leon Land. 

107. Quinn, Matthew, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Russell November 

19, 1841; disease unknown. 

108. Robins, Stephen, privt. Co. "C," died at Alligator September 10, 

1839; shot himself by accident. 

109. Reeder, John, privt. Co.*"D," died at Fort King August 12, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

110. Reynolds, Isaac, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke October 10, 

1838; chronic diarrhea. 

111. Ryan, Godfrey I., privt. Co. "H," died at sea July 16, 1838; disease 

unknown, contracted in Florida. 

112. Raridon, Timothy, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

February 5, 1839; consumption, contracted in Florida. 

113. Sweatman, Daniel, corpl. Co. "B," died at Cow Creek Hammock 

July 12, 1840; killed by Indians. 

114. Sawyer, Joshua, privt Co. "B," died at Fort Holmes November 18, 

1840; inflammation of bowels. 

115. Shaw, John, privt. Co. "G," died near the Everglades February 2, 

1838; killed by Indians. 

116. Seigle, Jacob H., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Cooper July 10, 1341; 

shot accidentally. 

117. Shattenburgh, Geoffrey, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort No. 11 August 

10, 1839; typhus fever. 

118. Sickford, Ebenezer, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Sherrard August 

16, 1839; chronic dysentery. 

119. Sinclare, "William, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Sherrard Septem- 

ber 6, 1839; chronic dysentery. 

120. Stuhlman, Henry, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Macomb April 1, 

1840; effects of starvation, having been lost while on a scout. 

121. Thompson, Walter, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort King April 4, 1841; 

killed by Indians. 

122. Vera, Joseph, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Monroe, Va., April 10, 

1842; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

123. Willard, George L., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Holmes January 

7, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

124. Weeden, John I., privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata October 31, 1840; 

chronic dysentery. 

125. Wood, Samuel, privt. Co. "C," died at Buffalo. N. Y., September 13, 

1842; fever, contracted in Florida. 

126. Winne, Killan, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Heileman July 26, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

127. Wilson, I. S. P., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Fanning January 11, 

1839; effusion of lungs. 

128. Werback, Frederick, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke November 

27, 1839; disease unknown. 

129. Weger, Charles, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Henderson, Ga., Jan- 

uary 22, 1842; accidentally drowned. 

130. Wells, John W., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Shannon February 4, 

1842; disease of the brain. 

131. Zeigler, William, sergt. Co. "B," died at Cow Creek Hammock July 

12, 1840; killed by the Indians. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 157 

3d Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Glen, T. B., 2d lieut. died at sea June 9, 1841; disease unknown, 

contracted in Florida. 

2. Lewis, A., capt., died at Tampa November 30, 1840; disease un- 

known, contracted in Florida. 

3. Vose, I. H., Jr., 1st lieut, died at New York June 30, 1841; disease 

unknown, contracted in Florida. 

1. Brown, Joseph, privt. Co. "F," died at Cedar Keys May 18, 1841; 

chronic dysentery. 

2. Brown, Edward, privt. Co. "E," died near Fort Macomb June 9, 

1841; killed by Indians while defending a wagon train. 

3. Bailey, William, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Pleasant June 29, 

1841; dysentery. 

4. Bum, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Gamble September 19, 

1841; dysentery. 

5. Brice, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys March 25, 1842; 

chronic dysentery. 

6. Boyle, Michael, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Pleasant July 8, 1842; 

congestion of the brain. 

7. Bowers, Joseph, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys July 10, 1842; 

dysentery. 

8. Butler, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Stansbury November 26, 

1842; pneumonia. 

9. Campbell, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Oscilla Ferry July 12, 

1841; bilious fever. 

10. Carlin, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys October 20, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

11. Cahill, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys October 29, 1841; 

chronic dysintery. 

12. Clfford, Dennis, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Stansbury January 12, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

13. Churchill, William, privt. Co. "F," died at Jefferson Barracks Jan- 

uary 19, 1842; chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

14. Davis, Samuel, corpl. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys December 7, 

1840; inflammation of bowels. 

15. Dreiss, Charles, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Oscilla July 4, 1841; 

dysentery. 

16. Donnelly, Cons., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Stansbury July 12, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

17. Denker, Herman O., privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Monroe, Va., April 

7, 1842; consumption — disease contracted in Florida. 

18. Dallon, Joseph, privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys December 14, 

1841; disease unknown. 

19. Downey, Joseph, privt. Co. "C," died at Jefferson Barracks March 

4, 1843; chronic dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

20. Eagan, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort No. 4 December 27, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

21. Frazier, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning June 9, 1841; 

purp. haemorrhage. 

22. Flanagan, William, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Pleasant August 

19, 1841; congestive fever. 



158 PoNGE DE Leon Land. 

23. Fisher, Adam, privt. Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys October 7, 1841: 

chronic dysentery. 

24. Gantzell, Edward, privt. Co. "F," died at Cedar Keys September 

19, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

25. Gallagher, Andrew, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Stansbury January 

20, 1842; appoplexy. 

26. Graham, William, privt. Co. "H," died near Fort Pleasant April 7. 

1841; killed by Indians while hunting alone. 

27. Gaffney, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys July 22, 1842; 

chronic dysentery. 

28. Hickson, Robert, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Fanning June 4, 1841; 

intermittent fever. 

29. Hutchinson, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Pleasant June 18. 

1841; dysentery. 

30. Harrington, Thomas, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Pleasant July 10, 

1841; dropsy. 

31. Hearne, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Pleasant September l'. 

1841; congestion of the brain. 

32. Hackett, Franklin, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Gamble September 

13, 1841; intermittent fever and dysentery. 

33. Joyce, Thomas, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Stansbury August 2. 

1841; appoplexy. 

34. Johnson, William, privt. Co. "C." died at Fort Gamble March 27, 

1842; dysentery. 

35. Junot, Christian, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Gamble July 21, 1842; 

vulnis sclopitorum. 

36. Igenhoffer, Frederick, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys July 26. 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

37. Kane, Timothy, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke November 19. 

1840; diarrhea. 

38. Kelly, William, privt. Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys July 20, 1841; 

chronic dysentery. 

39. Knowlton, Samuel G., privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Hamilton July 

29, 1841; shot by Indians while riding express. 

40. Kelly, James O., privt. Co. "E." died at Cedar Keys August 10. 

1841; disease unknown. 

41. Koppell, William, privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Stanusbury Novem- 

ber 16, 1841; dysentery. 

42. Kelly, Michael, privt. Co. "F." died at Cedar Keys December 9. 

1842; consumption. 

43. Little, Martin, privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Brooke February 3, 

1843; drowned. 

44. McManus, Thomas, privt. Co. "F." died at Fort Stansbury August 

31, 1841; congestive fever. 

45. McCann, David, privt. Co. "F." died at Cedar Keys September 23. 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

46. Marabacker, Valentine, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Gamble October 

9, 1841; diarrhea. 

47. McCafirey, James, privt. Co. "A." died at Fort pleasant October 

11, 1841; dysentery. 

48. McMurty, William, privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Stansbury, October 

18, 1841; congestive fever. 



Poncp: de Leon Land. 159 

49. Neil, Arthur O., privt. Co. "I," died in Columbia Co., Fla.. August 

30, 1841; congestive fever. 

50. Robinson, James, privt. Co. "A," died Fort Pleasant July 12, 1841; 

dysentery. 
.'31. Rees, Thomas, corpl. Co. "F," died at Cedar Keys July 23, 1841; 

chronic dysentery. 
52.: Rice, Morris, sergt-maj. Co. "F," died Cedar Keys August 19, 

1841; yellow fever. 

53. Regan, Patrick, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Stansbury December 

6, 1841; pulmonary consumption. 

54. Sugney, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning June 13, 1841; 

dysentery. 

55. Simpkins, William, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Stansbury August 

11, 1841; phthisis. 

56. Sweeny, Patrick, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Stansbury September 

17, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

57. Shields, Owen, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Stansbury October 7. 

1841; congestive fever. 

58. Tice, Lewis, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning July 27, 1841; 

epileptic convulsions. 

59. Toole, John, privt. Co. "B," died near Fort Preston November 28, 

1841; drowned while on a scout. 

60. Toomey, Edward, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys November 

11, 1841; disease unknown. 

61. VanHouter, William, privt. Co. "E," died at Pensacola August 24, 

1841; disease unknown. 

62. Will, Jacob, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys January 25. 1841; 

consumption. 

63. White, Patrick, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning June 15, 1841; 

congestive fever. 

64. White, Jacob, privt. Co. "F," died at Cedar Keys September 12, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

65. White, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys October 20, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

66. White, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Cedar Keys November 11, 

1841; chronic pneumonia. 

67. Wolf, Charles H., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pleasant March 10, 

1842; general debility. 

68. Winsley, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning January 25, 

1843; chronic dysentery. 

4th Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Birch, George, maior, died at Fort Brooke September 26, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

2. Dade, Francis L., br. major Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

3. McCrabb, J. W., bt. capt. Co. "D." died at St. Augustine November 

6, 1839; fever. 

4. Lands, R. M., bt. maj. Co. "G," died at Fort McCall September 13, 

1836; disease unknown. 



160 Ponce de Leon Land. 

5. Spoor, C. H. E., 2d lieut. Co. "D," died at Lockport, N. Y., January 
26, 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

G. Thornton, A. W., capt. Co. "A," died at Pensacola November L'. 
1836; disease unknown. 

1. Allen, Adolphus, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Monroe, Va.. June 

9, 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

2. Able, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort McCall September IF). 

1836; dysentery. 

3. Barnes, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed m action. 

4. Burwell, John, corpl. Co. "E," died at Fort Call September 7, 

1836; bilious fever. 

5. Bryant, James, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Call September 11. 

1836; bilious fever. 

6. Buckley, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Call September 13. 

1836; remittent fever. 

7. Bright, George, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Call September 15. 

1836; bilious fever. 

8. Black, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Call September 17, 1836; 

bilious fever. 

9. Bentz, Adam, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Call September 23, 

1836; congestive fever. 

10. Brown, John, sergt. Co. "G," died at Fort Call October 4. 1836; 

remittent fever. 

11. Bonsall, Adam F., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Call October 6. 1836; 

remittent fever. 

12. Brearman, Henry, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Clinch December 7, 

1836; disease unknown. 

13. Bennett, Isaac, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay July 16, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

14. Buckley, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Tampa Bay August 11, 

1837; disease unknown. 

15. Bruce, Henry, musn. Co. "A," died at Tampa Bay January 2, 1842; 

consumption. 

16. Brultie, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Tampa Bay February 21, 

1842; consumption. 

17. Bloom, Andrew, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys July 9, 1842; 

diarrhea. 

18. Barr, James, sergt. Co. "I," died at New Orleans May — , 1837; dis- 

ease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

19. Bristol, Sidney, privt. Co. "I," died at sea May 21, 1837; disease 

unknown, contracted in Florida. 

20. Boyde, Robert, privt. Co. "K," died at New Orleans April 24, 1838; 

dysentery. 

21. Boyle, Robert, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Monroe, Va., June 29, 

1838; disease unknown. 

22. Gates. Fnoch, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

23. Campbell, Donald, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 161 

24. Cunningham, Martin, privt. Co. "B," dide at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

25. Clendening, Levi, sergt. Co. "K," died at Chrystal River February 

9, 1837; killed in action. 

26. Cannon, Walter, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort King February 29, 

1836; chronic diarrhea. 

27. Casey, John M., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Brooke May 10, 1836; 

disease unknown. 

28. Cobbett, John Z., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Gall November 3, 

1836; typhus fever. 

29. Carroll, Michael, privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa Bay September 23, 

1837; dysentery. 

30. Chandler, William, privt. Co. "E," died at Tampa Bay September 

2, 1837; disease unknown. 

31. Comstock, Solomon, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay September 

13, 1837; intermittent fever. 

32. Coghan, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Fanning, September 22, 

1842; inflammation of the brain. 

33. Clifton, James R., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Monroe, Va., No- 

vember 28, 1837; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

34. Doughty, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

35. Donovan, Cornelius, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre De- 

cember 28, 1835; killed in action. 

36. Downes, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

37. Downes, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke April 29, 1836; 

consumption. 

38. Dunham, Hezekiah, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Call October 8, 

1836; bilious fever. 

39. Dougherty, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay January 25, 

1837; disease unknown. 

40. Duffy, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay September 11, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

41. Donnelly, James, corpl. Co. "K," died at Tampa Bay September 10, 

1837; intermittent fever. 

42. Dorr, William H., sergt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke August 21, 

1837; disease unknown. 

43. Dougherty, Charles L., privt. Co. "F," died at Picolata Auguct 13, 

1842; shot by Private Hurley. 

44. Dill, Andrew, privt. Co. "C," died at New Orleans June 24, 1838; 

disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

45. Dennis, Archibald, privt. Co. "A," died en route to Jefferson Bks. 

October 6, 1842; typhus fever. 

46. Foster, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Big Cypress December 20. 

1841; killed in action. 

47. Frederick, Samuel, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Call October 20. 

1836; chronic diarrhea. 

48. Gage, Depretot, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call August 16. 1836; 

bilious fever. 



163 Ponce de Leon Land. 

49. Gaither, Otho, privt. Co. "B," died at Key West September 16, 1836; 

h^atic consumption. 

50. Gardner, William, privt. Co. "B," died on passage to Fort Monroe 

September 23, 1837; disease unlcnown, contracte'd in Florida. 

51. Hall, Samuel, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 28, 

8135; killed in action. 

52. Hill, David, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Call August 31. 1830; 

killed in action. 

53. Hollins, James, privt. Co. "I." died at Fort Call September 22. 

1836; bilious fever. 

54. Hofferman, Daniel, privt. Co. "I" died at Fort Call October 19, 

1836; bilious fever. 

55. Humphries, Robert, privt. Co. "I." died at Fort Clinch December 

12, 1836; chronic diarrhea. 

56. Hunter, Lyons, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay March 15, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

57. Hanzahan, Michael, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Dade June 11, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

58. Harris, Gideon, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay July 8. 1837; 

disease unknown. 

59. Husher, Frederick, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay August 19, 

1837; diarrhea. 

60. Hilliard, Isaac, privt. Co. "A," died at Tampa Bay October 8, 1837; 

chronic dysentery. 

61. Houghtaling, Stephen, privt. Co. "D," died at Tampa Bay Novem- 

ber 6, 1831; disease unknown. 

62. Hougham, Jonathan, privt. Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay November 

27, 1841; fever. 

63. Hardy. James, privt. Co. "A," died at Jefferson Bks. October 8. 

1842; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

64. Jones, Wiley, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre December 

28, 1835; killed in action. 

65. Ingram, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Call October 6. 1836; 

hydro thorax. 

66. Jenkins, Lewis, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Clinch December 31, 

1836; cachaxia. 

67. Jones. Philip, privt. Co. "C," died at Jefferson Bks. October 28, 

1843; congestive fever, contracted in Florida. 

68. King, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Call September 5. 1836; 

bilious fever. 

69. Keilahar, Michael, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call November 7, 

1836; epileptic fits. 

70. Lutz, Othiel, privt. Co. "A," died at Okeechobee December 25, 1837; 

71. Lee, Francis, privt. Co. "G." died at Fort Call July 30. 1836; bil- 

ious fever. 

72. Losee, Samuel, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Call September 19, 1836; 

bilious fever. 

73. Long, Edward F.. privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call November 4. 

1836; chronic diarrhea. 

74. Large, Achilles, privt. Co. "K," died at Thouotossa T ake July 18, 

1837; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 163 

75. Lamb, Curtis, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay August 23, 1837; 

chronic dysentery. 
7(i. Lawrence, William E., privt. Co. "K," died at Tampa Bay October 

30, 1837; disease unknown. 

77. Lentz, Nicholas, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Taylor November 28, 

1837; disease unknown. 

78. Lowrie, James G., privt. Co. "C," died at Tampa Bay October 28, 

1841; consumption. 

79. Linder, William, privt. Co. "C," died en route to Jefferson Bks. 

October 12, 1842; intermittent fever, contracted in Florida. 

80. Markham, William, privt. Co. "B," died at Dade's Massacre Decem- 

ber 28, 1835; killed in action. 

81. McLaughlin, David, privt. Co. "D," died at Thonotosassa April 26, 

1836; killed in action. 

82. McCann, Felix, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Call August 16, 1836; 

drowned. 

83. Martin, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call August 17, 1836; 

bilious fever. 

84. McCormick, Samuel, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call September 

23, 1836; bilious fever. 

85. McLarty, James, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call November 2, 

1836; typhus fever. 

86. Marson, John, sergt.-maj., died at Mouth of Withlacoochie Novem- 

ber 17, 1836; bilious fever. 

87. Maloney, John, sergt. Co. "I," died at Fort Clinch December 2, 

1836; dysentery. 

88. Marriott, Stephen, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Clinch December 11, 

1836; cachexia. 

89. Morrow, Thomas, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Clinch December 12, 

1836; cachexia. 

90. Madden, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Clinch December 13, 

1836; dropsy. 

91. Murray, William, sergt. Co. "E," died at Tampa Bay July 30, 1837; 

hiccups. 

92. McEneire, Gerald, privt. Co. "H," died at Tampa Bay August 10, 

1837; dysentery. 

93. McAvoy, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay August 26, 1837; 

dropsy. 

94. McMullen, Samuel, privt. Co. "C," died at sea September 16, 1837; 

disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

95. Morris, George, privt. Co. "B," died at Cedar Keys August 17, 1842; 

dysentery. 

96. Mathers, Lyman, privt. Co. "E," died at Old Point May 23, 1838; 

chronic dysentery, contracted in Florida. 
07. Murphy, Isaac, privt. Co. "K," died at Ross's Ferry, Tenn., June 
18, 1838; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

98. Ormsby, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Magnolia July 9, 1836; re- 

mittent fever. 

99. Ohlendorff, John C, corpl. Co. "I," died at Fort Call October 2. 

1836; bilious fever. 
100. O'Brien, Arthur, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay December 4, 
1837; disease unknown. 



164 Poncp: de Leon Land. 

101. Potter, George, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Call September 25. 

1836; intermittent fever. 

102. Parker, Hiram, sergt. Co. "B," died at Fort Clinch November 30, 

1836; measles. 

103. Parsons, Harrison, privt. Co. "E." died at Tampa Bay August 22. 

1837; disease unknown. 

104. Phillips, Jacob, privt. Co. "I." died at Tampa Bay October 1, 1837; 

disease unknovi'n. 

105. Powers, Enoch, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay December 4, 

1837; disease unknown. 

106. Peter, Charles, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort King June 29, 1842; 

disease unknown. 

107. Price, Wyman, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Hamilton, N. Y., De- 

cember 27, 1837; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

108. Quinn, Charles, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Clinch December 23. 

1836; appoplexy. 

109. Richards, William, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Clinch December 

27, 1836; inflammation of the lungs. 

110. Richter, Jacob, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Wacahoota August 16. 

1842; inflammation of the brain. 

111. Stewart, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Okeechobee December 25, 

1837; killed in action. 

112. Shumard, Barthol, privt. Co. "H," died at Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

113. Shaeffer, Daniel, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Call July 16. 1836; 

bilious fever. 

114. Smith, P. S., sergt. Co. "D," died at Fort Call August 18, 1836; 

bilious fever. 

115. Shepherd, Francis, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay May 15, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

116. Somers, Patrick, privt. Co. "K," died at Tampa Bay June 28, 1837; 

disease unknown. 

117. Shanley, William C, privt. Co. "'B," died at Thonotosassa Lake 

July 24, 1837; remittent fever. 

118. Smith, Samuel, privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa Bay August 13, 1837; 

dysentery. 

119. Shay, Patrick, privt. Co. "G." died at Tampa Bay August 3, 1837; 

intermittent fever. 

120. Sheridan, Patrick, privt. Co. "C." died at Tampa Bay September 

20, 1837; disease unknown. 

121. Tyler, Laban, privt. Co. "G," died at Tampa Bay .July 8, 1837; dis- 

ease unknown. 

122. Walker, William, privt. Co. "I," died at Thonotosassa April 26. 

1836; killed in action. 

123. Whitinger, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay September 11. 

1837; disease unknown. 

124. Wood, Joseph, privt. Co. "I," died at Tampa Bay October 9, 1837; 

125. Warren, Hiram B., sergt. Co. "C," died at Fort Monroe, Va., Sep- 

tember 29, 1837; disease unknown. 

126. Wilson, Henry, privt. Co. "E," died at Tampa Bay November 6, 

1837; disease unknown. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 165 

127. Wagner, Fred C, privt. Co. "E," died at Jefferson Bks. October 

16, 1842; yellow fever, contracted in Florida. 

128. Villebrod, Frank, Co. D., died at Tampa Bay. 1837; disease un- 

known. 

5th Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Wilcox, D., major, died at Palatka .January 3, 1842; disease un- 
known. 

6th Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Brook, Francis I., 1st lieut. Co. "A," died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 

2. Berrien, William D., 1st lieut. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke Decem- 

ber 2, 1840; disease unknown. 

3. Center, I. P., 2d lieut. Co. "A," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

4. Conrad, John, 1st lieut. Co. "I," died at James Island August 10, 

1838; disease unknown. 

5. Griffin, George H., 1st lieut. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke October 

8, 1839; disease unknown. 

6. Green. John, lieut.-col. — , died at Tallahassee September 21, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

7. Hulbert, William, 2d lielt. Co. "F," died near Fort Brooke May 2, 

1839; killed by the Indians. 

8. Thompson, Alex. R., lient-col. — , died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 

9. Van Swearengen, I., capt. Co. "F," died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 
10. Van Lien, F., 2d lieut. Co. "C," died at New Orleans December 
31, 1839; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

1. Allen, Orin, privt. Co. "B," died near St. Marks .Tune 16, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

2. Andrews, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys November 9, 

1841; disease unknown. 

3. Allen, Henry, privt. Co. "G," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

4. Ball, Elijah, privt. Co. "A," died on passage to New York October 

28, 1840; chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

5. Buck, John H., privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Sherrard November 

27, 1839; typhus fever. 

6. Boyle, John, privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys November 12, 1841; 

congestion of the lungs. 

7. Burtch, William, corpl. Co. "E," died near Fort Fanning June 24, 

1840; disease unknown. 

8. Brigham, Bela B., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Harrison November 

26, 1841; neuralgia. 

9. Banks, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 
10. Benjamin, James H., corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke August 
24, 1837; disease unknown. 



166 Ponce de Leon TjAnd. 

11. Breel, Casmer, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke July 24, 1837: 

disease unknown. 

12. Beck, John, privt. Co. "H," died near Fort Harrison June 12, 1841; 

supposed to have been killed by the Indians. 

13. Birmingham, T. P., sergt. Co. "I." died at Fort Andrews October 

23, 1839; killed by guard— shot. 

14. Bing, M. L., privt. Co. "K." died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

15. Boyle, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Dog Island September 25, 1838: 

disease unknown. 

16. Carr, John, sergt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys October 26, 1840; 

diarrhea. 

17. Congar, John H., privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke December 7. 

1839; disease unkno^rn. 

18. Clute, William, musn. Co. "D," died at Fort Oscilla August 27, 1839: 

bilious fever. 

19. Cushman, Philip, privt. Co. "G." died at Lake Okeechobee Decem- 

ber 25, 1837; killed in action. 

20. Conlan, Joseph, privt. Co. "G," died at Cedar Keys February 4, 

1842; disease unknown. 

21. Cook, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Oscilla June 22. 1840; dis- 

ease unknown. 

22. Clark, Henry, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Bassinger January 26. 

1838; wounds received in action December 25, 1837. 

23. Cole, Samuel, privt. Co. "K," died at Dog Island August 30, 1838: 

disease unknown. 

24. Canfield, Abraham, privt. Co. "K," died at Dog Island September 

18, 1838; disease unknown. 

25. Driske, Barthol, privt. Co. "F," died near Fort Brooke May 2. 

1839; killed by the Indians. 

26. Daniels, Samuel, privt. Co. "H." died at Lake Okeechobee Decem- 

ber25, 1837; killed in action. 

27. Doane, Anthony P., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Towson, Ark.. Sep- 

tember 19, 1842; chronic dysentery, contracted in Florida. 

28. Dwyner, John, privt, Co. "K." died at Dog Island August 29. 1838: 

disease unknown. 

29. Ervine, Lewis, privt. Co. "C." died at Fort Micanopy July 26, 1838; 

killed by the Indians. 

30. Fry, Christian, privt. Co. "A," died at St. Marks July 19, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

31. Foxcroft, George, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke November 

26, 1841; disease unknown. 

32. Farmington, Salisbury, privt. Co. "H," died on march to Pass 

Creek November 15, 1837; accidental gun shot. 

33. Foster, George, privt. Co. "H," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

34. Fresh, John, privt. Co. "I," died near Fort Andrews August 29. 

1839; killed in action. 

35. Green, John, privt. Co. "B," died at James Island July 17, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

36. Gaffney, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25. 1837; killed in action. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 167 

37. Guiser, Charles, privt. Co. "K," died at Cedar Keys September 2, 

1840; disease unknown. 

38. Hardt, Michael privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys March 15, 1841; 

phthsis pulmonalis. 

39. Hunter, Alex., privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Towson, Ark., Septem- 

ber 15. 1843; consumption, contracted in Florida. 

40. Handibode, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys Nevember 

11, 1841; disease unknown. 

41. Hennesy, Richard, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Harrison October 

12, 1841; disease unknown. 

42. Hall, Charles, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort F. Brooke May 5, 1839: 

disease unknown. 

43. Hart, Robert, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke September 6. 

1841; congestive fever. 

44. Hattrick, Charles, privt. Co. "H," died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 

45. Herbert, Seely, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys February 22, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

46. Harris, Daniel, privt. Co. "I," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

47. Harriet, A, T., sergt. Co. "I," died near St. Andrews August 29, 

1839; killed in action. 

48. Hayden, Daniel, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Andrews November 

23, 1839; wounds received in action. 

49. Hodges, Josiah, privt. Co. "K," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

50. Ironside, Benjamin, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Hulbert June 5, 

1840; disease unknown. 

51. Jordan, John, bugler Co. — , died at Fort Harrison October 6, 1841: 

chronic diarrhea. 

52. Knight, Edward C, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Gardiner December 

19, 1837; disease unknown. 

53. Kipp. Robert S., corpl. Co. "H," died at Lake Okeechobee January 

1, 1838; wounds received in action December 25, 1837. 

54. Knight, Isaac, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Dade January 9, 1842 : 

congestive fever. 

55. Long, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., January 

6, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 
65. Minard, Harman, sergt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke September 
9, 1837; chronic dysenteiy. 

57. McCarthy, John, sergt. Co. "A," died on passage to New York 

August 23, 1840; lost overboard at sea. 

58. Monroe, James, privt. Co. "B," died near Fort Pleasant July 13, 

1840; killed by Indians. 

59. McVey, Joseph, privt. Co. "B," died at Oclockney River June 18, 

181838; killed by Indians. 

60. Miller John, privt. Co. "D," died near Fort Pleasant July 13. 

1840; killed by Indians. 

61. McEneary, Thomas, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys July 16. 

1841; malignant fever. 

62. McDonough, Bryan, privt. Co. "F," died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 



168 PoNCK DE Leon Land. 

63. Murphy, Peter, privt. Co. "F," died at Cedary Keys June 16, 1841; 

chronic dysentery. 

64. Mullen, Patrick, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke February 7, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

65. Minick, Henry, privt. Co. "G," died at Lake Okeechobee Decern 

ber 25, 1837; killed in action. 

66. McLaughlin, Bernard, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys March 

2, 1842; phthisis pulmonalis. 

67. Malone, Patrick, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

March, 15, 1841; disease unknown contracted in Florida. 

68. McGlade, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys April 1. 1841; 

disease unknown. 

69. Matthas, Martin, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort R. Gamble November 

18, 1841; pneumonia biliosa. 

70. Mackay, William, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke, September 

11, 1837; remittant fever. 

71. McGrath, Thomas, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Pleasant December 

7, 1839; disease unknown. 

72. Masters. Thomas A., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Hamilton, N. Y., 

November 23, 1837; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

73. Mahar, William, privt. Co. "I," died an passage to New York No- 

vember 4, 1840; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

74. McKirdy, Henry, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke January 13, 

1842; disease unknown. 

75. Murtough, Michael, privt. Co. "K," died at Lake Okeechobee De- 

cember 25, 1837; killed in action. 

76. McFee, Robert, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Econfinee May 21, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

77. Mahoney, Kean, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Gamble June 21, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

78. McCann, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Pleasant 18. 1842; 

chronic dysentery. 

79. Noble, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Fanning July 2. 1840, 

disease unknown. 

80. Otts, Frederick, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Pleasant May 16, 

1839; disease unknown. 

81. O'Brien, Michael, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Fanning July 1, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

82. O'Connor, William, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys, September 

22, 1840; disease unknown. 

83. O'Sha, Michael, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke June 1, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

84. Pool, Robert, privt. Co. "A," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

85. Pulsifer, Christopher, corpl. Co. "E," died at Fort Harrison. Sep- 

tember 20, 1841; remittant fever. 
S6. Parks, David, privt. Co. "F," died near Fort Andrews July 21. 1839; 
killed by the Indians. 

87. Phillips, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Econfinee May 26, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

88. Perks, Charles, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke October 26, 

1840; pulmonary consumption. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 169 

89. Robinson, John, privt. Co. "A," died at Dog Island August 30, 183»; 

brain fever. 

90. Russell, James, privt. Co. "B," died at James Island August 13. 

1838; drowned. 

91. Rowland, Thomas, privt. Co. "E." died at Fort Gamble June 10. 

1840; disease unknown. 

92. Ryan, John, corpl. Co. "F," died on passage to New York Novem- 

ber 1, 1840; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

93. Rosencrans, Elias. privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke Septembe» 

25, 1840; remittent fever. 

94. Rose, Elias, privt. Co. "K," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

95. Sleepback, Henry sergt.-maj. Co. "K," died at Lake Oheechobee 

Devember 27, 1837; wiunds received in action. 

96. Scholer, George, privt. Co. "A," died at Dog Island September 3, 

1838; brain fever. 

97. Schultz, Thomas, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Harrison May 14, 

1841; dysentery. 

98. Smith. S. M., privt. Co. "B," died at St. Andrews Bay July 31, 1839; 

fever. 

99. Shaughnessy, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke November 

25, 1839; disease unknown. 

100. Stanley, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke December 3, 

1841; disease unknown. 

101. Stewart, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Manning March 8, 

1840; disease unknown. 

102. Schwartz, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Fanning June 8, 

1840; disease unknown. 

103. Scott. James, corpl. Co. "C," died at Fort Simmons January 24, 

1842; acidental gun shot. 

104. Scdmidtwilkie, Joseph, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Oscillo August 

29, 1839; congestive fever. 

105. Stottman, George, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Gamble June 21, 

1841; disease unknown. 

106. Snow, Byrd, privt. Co. "E." died at Cedar Keys July 21, 1841; 

dysentery. 

107. Swift, Gordon, privt. Co. "F," died at Lake Okeechobee December 

25, 1837; killed in action. 

108. Sweet, Thomas, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., May 

5, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

109. Silk, Edward, sergt. Co. "H," died at Fort Dade March 16, 1837; 

accidental. 

110. Stoddard, Thomas, corpl. Co. "H," died at Fort Stansbpry August 

8, 1841; disease unknown. 

111. Shea, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Dog Island July 18, 1838; killed 

by Indians. 

112. Swords, John, sergt.. Co. K, died at St. Marks December 12, 1838; 

disease unknown. 

113. Slaveu, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Fanning June 19, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

114. Tindale, Samuel, musn. Co. "F," died at Fort Smith, Ark., January 

12, 1843; pulmonary consumption, contracted in Florida. 



170 Ponce de Leon Land. 

115. Tripp, Joshua, privt. Co. "H," died at Cedar Keys Marcli 1, 1841; 

clironic dysentery. 

116. Todd, David, sergt. Co. "I," died at Lake Okeechobee December 25. 

1837; killed in action. 

117. Taber, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Andrews November 26. 

1839; disease unknown. 

118. Urquehart, Alexander, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke Decem- 

ber 7, 1839; disease unknown. 

119. Wakefield, Walter, Q. M. sergt. died on way to Fort Harrison Sep- 

tember 1, 1811; disease unknown. 

120. Whitlekop, Johanne, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke November 

23, 1837; disease unknown. 

121. Wright, Charles B., privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys April 18, 

1841; chronic diarrhea. 

122. Williams, James, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Towson, Ark., Sep- 

tember 3. 1842; chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

123. Weyman, Nicholas, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Oscilla August 14, 

1839; congestive fever. 

124. Whitemore, Joseph, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Towson, Ark.. 

August 3, 1842; chronic diarrhea, contracted in Florida. 

125. Walkam, Jonathan, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys August 9, 

1940; disease unknown. 

126. Wallace, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke October 23. 

1837; disease unknown. 

127. Whitemore, Philip, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Andrews Septem- 

ber 22, 1839; disease unknown. 

128. Wood, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Econfinee May 28, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

129. Walker, Luke, sergt. Co. "K," died at Alexandria, La., January 

— , 1844; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

7th Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Gannett, T. B., 2d lieut. Co. "E," died at Pilatka Oceober 30, 1841; 

yellow fever. 

2. Stephenson, I. R., capt. Co, "E." died at Pilatka November 26. 

1841; disease unknown. 

3. Sanderson, James S., 2d lieut. Co. "C," died near Fort Micanopy 

May 19, 1840; for wounds received at Bridgewater and subse- 
quent zeal and efficiency in all ti^e non. com. grades, he was 
recommended by the officers of his regiment and appointed 2d 
lieut. on 1st of March, 1838. With 13 men he attacked 40 or 50 
Indians and was killed at the head of his party. 

4. Sherwood, Walter, 2d lieut. Co. "K," died near Fort Micanopy De- 

cember 28, 1840; while escorting Mrs. Montgomery from Micano- 
py to Wacahoota, his party, consisting of 11 non. com. etc., were 
attacked by a large body of Indians; himself, Mrs. Montgomery 
and four of the escort were killed. He was a young officer of 
great promise. 

1. Austin, Jeremiah, privt. Co. "A," died near Fort Wheelock August 
13, 1840. He was a soldier of long sei'vice and good character. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 171 

He was killed while returning from escorting Asst. Surg. Griffin 
to Fort Micanopy. 

2. Austin, Benoni, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Fanning August 9, 

1841; congestive fever. 

3. Appleton, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Micanopy February 13, 

1841; catarhus. 

4. Brown, Lewis, sergt. Co. "K," died near Fort No. 3 March 20, 1839; 

killed by the Indians while riding express. 

5. Burlington, Lansing, privt. Co. "C," died near Fort Micanopy De- 

cember 28, 1840; killed under command of Lieut. Sherwood. 
He sacrificed his own in attempting to save the life of a lady. 
His last words were, "I did my duty." 

6. Bridges, Abraham, sergt. Co. "C," died at Ocklawaha River July 

16, 1841; shot while charging an Indian encampment. 

7. Busby, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died at Wacasassa May 16. 1841; 

dysentery. 

8. Busby, Henry, privt, Co. "A," died at Fort Macomb February 7, 

1842; accidentally killed. 

9. Bersham, George, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys January 9, 

1842; dysentery. 

10. Bellinger, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at Castle Pinckney, S. C. 

September 8, 1839; yellow fever, contracted in Florida. 

11. Burns, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort No. 2 June 3, 1840; 

dysenterj\ 

12. Bennett, William C, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Micanopy July 22, 

1841; typhoid fever. 

13. Backman, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Micanopy .lanuary 

21, 1841; ambustio. 

14. Bulbin, Joseph, privt. Co. "E," died near Fort Micanopy October 

1840; drowned. 

15. Boyer, George, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Brooke August 17, 1842; 

dysentery. 

16. Bullman, Gassoway, sergt. Co. "H," died at Fo<-t Fanning April 18, 

1842; disease unknown. 

17. Bruns, Anthony, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort No. 2 September 3, 

1839; disease unknown. 

18. Britton, Peter, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Wheelock September 

16, 1841; disease unknown. 

19. Boylan, Patrick, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Wheelock February 

2, 1842; chronic hysentery. 

20. Bonaparte, Lafayette, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Micanopy April 

12, 1842; gun shot wounds. 

21. Carroll, Francis, sergt.-major, died near Micanopy December 28, 

1841. Killed, being at the time one of Lieut. Sherwood's party. 
He was of Lieut. Sanderson's party of the 19th of May when that 
officer was killed. In that action (19th May) he behaved with 
great bravery and remained alone near the scene of action until 
next morning, when Lieut-Col. Riley in command of a portion 
of the 2d Infantry visited it for the purpose of removing the 
dead. He served in the 7th Infantry from 1831 to the time of 
his death, filling with much credit the several grades of cor^ 
poral, sergeant, 1st sergeant and sergeant-major, eliciting by 



172 Ponce de Leon Land. 

his good conduct and soldierly bearing the respect and esteem 
of his oSacers. 

22. Cuthbert, Arthur, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys November 12, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

23. Cappus, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Castle Pinclvney, S. C. August 

21, 1839; yellow fever, contracted in Florida. 

24. Carr, John R., privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine November 10, 

1839; yellow fever. 

25. Costin, Patrick, privt. Co. "B," died at Cedar Keys February 23, 

1841; chronic dysentery. 

26. Crowley, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at St. John's Bluff August 

24, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

27. Carey, John, prvt. Co. "B," died at St. John's Bluff October 23. 

1841; dropsy. 

28. Campbell, William, privt. Co. "B," died at St. John's Bluff Novem- 

ber 8, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

29. Church, Wililam, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Micanopy December 

7, 1840; dysentery. 

30. Coglan, Daniel, privt. Co. "D." died at Fort Shannon January 30. 

1840; disease unknown. 

31. Code, Thomas, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman October 21, 

1840; congestive fever. 

32. Carther, John C, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman November 

18, 1840; diarrhea. 

33. Cowley, Owen, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Micanopy January 5, 

1841; wounds received in action near Micanopy May 18, 1840. 

34. Claffy, Francis, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Micanopy September 

16, 1840; intermittent fever. 

35. Duff, Christopher, privt. Co. "B," died near Fort Wacahoota May 

17, 1842; killed. 

36. Donolan, Michael, privt. Co. "A," died at New Orleans May 20, 

1840; phthisis pulmonalis, contracted in Florida. 

37. Douglass, Henry, privt. Co. "B," died at Castle Pinckney, S. C, 

August 21, 1839; yellow fever. 

38. Dougherty, Henry, privt. Co. "B," died at St. John's Bluff Novem- 

ber 24, 1841; chronic dysentery. 

39. Dolan, Patrick, privt. Co. "B," died at St. John's Bluff January 8, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

40. Drennan, John, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., De- 

cember 29, 1840; chronic disease, contracted in Florida. 

41. Dudley, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Micanopy January 24, 

1841; diarrhea. 

42. Dunn, John, privt. Co ."K," died at Fort Brooke Panuary 1, 1839; 

cholera morbus. 

43. Eldridge, Henry, privt. Co. "I," died near Fort Micanopy August 

30, 1840; killed. 

44. Eckard, Augustus, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Wacahoota Septem- 

ber 7, 1840; died of wounds received under command of Lieut. 
Hanson, September 6, 1840. 

45. Eberhart, Lewis, privt. Co. "B," died at Cedar Keys October 18, 

1840; chronic dysentery. 



Ponce de Leon IjAnd. 173 

46. Evans, Andrew, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Micanopy May 5, 1841 ; 

dysentery. 

47. Foss, William, privt. Co. "H," died near Micanopy May 19, 1840: 

killed, being one of Lieut. Sanderson's party. 

48. Fynn, Patrick, privt. Co. "E," died at Micanopy August 30, 1840: 

killed. 

49. Finney, David M., privt. Co. "E," died at Micanopy August 30, 1840; 

taken prisoner and killed. 

50. Foster, David, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Whellock December 18. 

1840; dysentery. 

51. Fell, John, privt. Co. "B," died atFort Heileman June 16, 1841; 

congestion of the brain. 

52. Feeny, James, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Wacahoota September 

27, 1841; disease unknown. 

53. Fitzgibbon, Garrett, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys December 

24, 1841; chronic pneumonia. 

54. Finn, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Micanopy May 3, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

55. Grace, Richard, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort King May 9, 1840: 

died of wounds received under command of Capt. Rains, April 

28, 1840. 

56. Goodman, Lewis, musn. Co. "B," died at Fort Heileman November 

3, 1839; yellow fever. 

57. Gaines, James, corpl. Co. "C," died at Fort King October 1, 1840; 

disease unknown. 

58. Gates, William, corpl. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke June 26, 1842: 

congestive fever. 

59. Grey, Richard, prvt. Co. "H," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., Sep- 

tember 17, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

60. Galligan, James, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

March 22, 1841; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

61. Hogins, Isaac, sergt. Co. "C," died at Fort No. 5 February 1, 1841; 

being in charge of a party of four men, he was killed by a large 
party of Indians In ambuscade at the end of a causeway. 

62. Herring, Charles, privt. Co. "A," died near Fort King March 24. 

1840; killed. "A man of excellent character." 

63. Hefferman, Michael, privt. Co. "H," died near Fort Wacahotota 

September 6, 1840; killed, under command of Lieut. W. K. Han- 
son. 

64. Horton, Gideon R., privt. Co. "B," died near Fort Heileman No- 

vember 7, 1839; yellow fever. 

65. Hopkins, John, privt. Co. "B," died at Picolata December 13. 1839; 

disease unknown. 

66. Hook, John, musn. Co. "B," died at Fort Wacahoota December 29. 

1840; chronic diarrhea. 

67. Haskins, Samuel, musn. Co. "C," died at Fort Micanopy July 9. 

1841; inflammation of the bowels. 

68. Henshall, Charles, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Wacahoota February 

2, 1842; epilepsy. 

69. Hubbard, Benj., privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys June 5, 1841; 

dysentery. 



174 Ponce de Leon Land. 

70. Hall, Fleming, privt. Co. "H," died at Picolata September 7, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

71. Jones, Levi, privt. Co. "B," died at Castle Pinckney, S. C, Sep- 

tember 6, 1839; yellow fever, contracted in Florida. 

72. Jenkins, John G., privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Micanopy June 5. 

1841; dysentery. 

73. Keefe, Patrick, privt. Co. "I," died near Micanopy May 19, 1840; 

killed, being one of Lieut. Sanderson's party. 

74. Kercher, Henry, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys January 9, 

1842; chronic euterites. 

75. Keys, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Picolata December 3, 1840; 

cahchexia. 

76. Kohl, Augustus, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Heileman August 18, 

1839; drowned. 

77. Kelly, Hugh, privt. Co. "A," died near Fort King April 14, 1840; 

shot through the body while on a scout under the command of 
Lieut. Scott by an Indian on whom he was rushing. 

78. Ledue, Cornelius, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Micanopy May 1, 

1841; dysentery. 

79. Langan, Hugh, corpl. Co. "E." died at Fort Micanopy October 31, 

1840; cachexia. 

80. Logan, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Fanning November 28, 

1841; intermittent fever. 

81. Lillie, Henry, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Fanning December 8, 

1841; diarrhea. 

82. Ludlum, George, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys December 12, 

1841; dysentery. 

83. Lightle, Martin, privt. Co. "F." died at Fort Wacasassa July 4, 

1841; dysentery. 

84. Long, John P., privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke October 27, 

1839; disease unknown. 

85. Maher, James, privt. Co. "B," died netr Fora Drane March 15, 1840; 

killed while escotring wagons from Fort No. 2 to Micanopy. 

86. Mier. Frederick, privt. Co. "A," died near Fort King April 28. 1841; 

killed in astion under command of Capt. Rains. 

87. Maxwell, Abraham, privt. Co. "I," died near Fort Micanopy May 

19, 1840; killed, being one of Lieut. Sanderson's party. 

88. McDonald, Alexander, privt. Co. "I," died near Fort Micanopy De- 

cember 28, 1840; killed, under command of Lieut. Sherwood. 

89. McNeil, Daniel, privt. Co. "D," died near Fort Wacahoota May 17, 

1842; killed. 

90. Morse, Alvin, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys March 24. 1842; 

disease unknown. 

91. Meale, Edward, privt. Co. "B." died at Fort Gatlin June 16. 1839; 

congestive fever. 

92. McQuay, James, privt. Co. "C." died at Fort Micanopy December 

30, 1840: dysentery. 

93. McCalligan, James, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys March 13, 

1841; chronic diarrhea. 

94. McLaughlin, Patrick, privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys April 28, 

1841; dysentery. 



Ponce de Leon Land. 175 

95. Moffitt, William, privt. Co. "E." died at Pensacola Harbor J ply 1, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

96. Milne, John, privt. Co. "F," died at Wort Wheelock December 15, 

1840; intermittent fever. 

97. Murray, John, privt. Co. "P," died at Fort Wacasassa October 3, 

1841; dysentery. 

98. Matthews, Thomas, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Wacasassa April 

18, 1842; consumption. 

99. McClelland, Robert, Co. "G," died at Picolata April 5, 1841; mania. 

100. Meeks, William, privt. Go. "H," died at Fort Fanning March 17, 

1842; disease unknown. 

101. McGunnigle, John, privt. Go. "K," died at Fort Brooke August 11, 

1839; disease unknown. 

102. McCaffrey, Patrick, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Wheelock February 

22, 1841; chronic diarrhea. 

103. O'Riley, Patrick, prin. musn., died near Fort Micanopy May 19, 

1840; killed, being at the time one of Lieut. Sanderson's party. 
As an evidence of his good conduct in that action his body was 
found by the side of Lieut. S. He was a good and exemplary 
soldier. 

104. Okey, Samuel, musn. Co. "I," died near Fort Micanopy May 19, 

1840; killed, being one of Lieut. Sanderson's party. 

105. Owens, Thomas, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman September 

16, 1840; congestion. 

106. O'SuUivan, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman October 

24, 1840; diarrhea. 

107. O'Riley, William, privt. Co. "H,"died at Fort Micanopy November 

28, 1842; disease unknown. 

108. O'Neil, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Wacasassa October 6, 

1840; disease unknown. 

109. Pepper, James, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Wacahoota January 26, 

1842; disease unknown. 

110. Prill, Frederick, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Micanopy July 20, 

1841; disease unknown. 

111. Perry, John, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Wheelock December 3, 

1841; disease unknown. 

112. Quinn, George, privt. Co. "E." died at Cedar Keys February 5, 

1842; chronic ententes. 

113. Riley, Ferguson, privt. Co. "B," died at Castle Pinckney, S. C, 

August 21, 1839; yellow fever, contracted in Florida. 

114. Ross, James, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman February 3, 

1841; disease unknown; said to have served with credit in the 
1st Infantry, having been engaged in several altairs with the 
Indians. 

115. Regan Michael, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Micanopy May 22, 

1841; dysentery. 

116. Rohrback, Philip. 1st sergt. Co. "G," died at Camp Scott February 

25, 1843; disease unknown. 

117. Redner Alexander, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke August 16, 

1842; disease unknown. 

118. Rainge, Henry, privt. Co. "K," died near Savannah June 28, 1841; 

disease unknown, contracted in Florida on passage to New York. 



176 Ponce de Leon Land. 

119. Smith, George H., 1st sergt. Co. "A," died near Fort King April 

28. 1840; Itilled in action under command of Capt. Rains. 

120. Smitii, Thomas I., privt. Co. "C," died near Fort Wheeloclt August 

13, 1840; killed while returning from escorting Asst. Surg. 
Griflan to Fort Micanopy. 

121. Smith, John R., privt. Co. "E," died near Fort Micanopy December 

28, 1840; killed, under Lieut .Sherwood. 

122. Shields, George, privt. Co. "B," died at St. Augustine January 17, 

1840; killed by a falling tree, getting timbers for a breast-work. 

123. Smith, Isaac, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort No. 5 June 24, 1839: 

bilious fever. 

124. Strong, Joseph, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Wacahoota March 13, 

1842; chronic dysentery. 

125. Sheridan, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Micanopy August 16, 

1841; disease unknown. 

126. Slinker, Joseph, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Fanning February 16, 

1842; disease unknown. 

127. Shepardson, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Micanopy July 17, 

1841; typhoid fever. 

128. Theis, George W., privt. Co. "A," died near Fort King March 24, 

1840; killed. "Was a man of excellent character." 

129. Thomas, Luallen, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Heileman November 

27, 1839; yellow fever. 

130. Tice, Henry, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Wheelock December 22, 

1841; bilious fever. 

131. Tracy, Patrick, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman September 

5, 1840; congestive fever. 

132. Thompson, Matthew, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke November 

13. 1839; fever. 

133. Tinker, Sperry F., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Micanopy August 8, 

1841; typhoid fever. 

134. Tucker, John, privt. Co. "K." died at Fort Micanopy March 16, 

1841; disease unknown. 

135. Tighe, Martin, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Micanopy May 17, 1841; 

disease unknown. 

136. Thurrell, Charles, privt, Co. "K," died at St. John's Bluff October 

7, 1841; disease imknown. 

137. Van Tassel, Jesse, privt. Co. "F," died at Fort Fanning May 27, 

1842; of wounds received near the Suwanee river May 17, 1842. 

138. Volnagle, Louis, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort No. 5 December 31, 

1839; dysentery. 

139. Williamson, Henry, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y., 

July 30, 1839; disease unknown, contracted in Florida. 

140. Wetherspoon, Peter, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Heileman August 

30, 1840; congestive fever. 

141. Williams, James C, privt. Co. "F." died at Picolata February 18, 

1841; dysentery. 

142. Walsh, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke February 17, 1840; 

fall from a horse. 

143. Walton, Seneca, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke July 10. 1839; 

disease unknown. 



PoNCK i)K Leon Land. 177 

144. Wingham, Henry, privt. Co. "K," died at St. John's Bluff November 
24, 1841; disease unknown. 

8th Regiment of Infantry. 

1. Harvie, John M., 1st lieut. Co. "K," died at Cedar Key September 

7, 1841; disease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

2. O'Brien, Lucius, 1st lieut. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke January 

7, 1841; disease unknown. 

3. Riell. John A., 1st lielt. Co. "H," died at sea June 22, 1841; dis- 

ease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

4. Wardwell. Henry, 2d lieut. Co. "D," died at sea July 21, 1841; dis- 

ease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

1. Bates, Henry, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke September 1.5, 

1841; disease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

2. Beachler, George, privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys March 21. 

1842; disease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

3. Bowles, Samuel, privt. Co. "D," died at Fort Monroe December 

26, 1842; disease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

4. Bowman, Lot, privt. Co. "B," died at Tampa Bay May 9, 1841; dis 

ease incident to climate and service in Flodira. 

5. Bromeling T. I. S., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke Februarj' 24 

1841; disease incident to climate and service in Florida. 

6. Brown, John, privt. Co. "D," died at sea May 11, 1841; disease in^ 

cident to climate and service in Florida. 

7. Buckley, Cornelius, privt. Co. "E," died at Fort Columbus, N. Y 

August 23, 1841; disease incident to climate and service iA Flor- 
ida. 

8. Burdick, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Punta Rassa October 19 

1841; drowned on service. 

9. Clews, James, sergt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke July 5, 1841 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

10. Carney, Cornelius, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke October 25 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

11. Clarke, Cyrus, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort King November 25, 1840 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

12. Cooper, Thomas, privt. Co. "C," died at Pilatka October 11, 1842 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

13. Doane, John, sergt. Co. "I," died at Big Cypress December 20. 1841 

killed in action. 

14. Dines. Charles H.. pryrt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke August 29 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

15. Ducharm, Dennis, privt. Co. "H," died at Tortugas Island May 12 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

16. Dunlap, James, corpl. Co. "D," died at Fort Brooke March 25. 1843 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

17. Eaglesham, William, sergt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pierce May 10 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

18. Earring, Cornelius, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke January 12 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 



178 Ponce de Leon Land. 

19. Elliott, Stephen, privt. Co. "D," died at Pilatka December 10, 1842; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

20. Ferris, Henry, privt. Co. "D," died at sea May 12, 1841; disease in- 

cident to climate and the service in Florida. 

21. Frank, Lewis, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke September 29, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

22. Furor, Christian, privt Co. "I," died at Cedar Keys February 26, 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

23. Gibson, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Camp Brown May 28, 1842; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

24. Gill, William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke November 30, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

25. Goodman, John, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke September 2, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

26. Granter, John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Marion July 1, 1843; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

27. Harman, Hiram, privt. Co. "A," died at Cedar Keys April 11, 1842; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

28. Hartnett, Patrick K., privt. Co. "H," died at Camp Ogden July 17, 

1841; killed in action. 

29. Haney, Jesse, privt. Co. "B," died at Key West August 14, 1843; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

30. Haywod. Samuel, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Wacasassa October 

29, 1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

31. Hopping, Adin L., privt. Co. "K," died at Key West November 5, 

1843; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

32. Jones, Thomas, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke September 16, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

33. Jones, Thomas, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort Brooke November 11, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

34. Kelly, Joshua, privt. Co. "B," died at Fort King June 20. 1851; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

35. Kingsberry, W. M., privt. Co. "K," died at Wacasassa December 22, 

1842; disease inrident to climate and the service in Florida. 

36. Leopold. Joseph, sergt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke November 26, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

37. Lampert, Geo. C, privt. Co. "C," died at Cedar Keys April 29, 1842; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

38. Lewis, John. R., privt. Co. "E," died at Cedar Keys February 26, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

39. McNamara, Patrick, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort King December 29, 

1840; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

40. Mellor, James, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort King November 21, 1840; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

41. Merril,Martin D., privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke July 7, 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

42. Morris. William, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke July 7, 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

43. Morton, Thomas, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke February 9, 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

44. Myer, Samuel, privt. Co. "D," died at Cedar Keys December 27, 

1841 ; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 



Pqnce de liEON Land] 179 

45. Melvin, John, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort King November 15, 1840; 

killed by accidental discharge of a comrade's musket on service. 

46. Neville, .John, privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke December 29, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

47. Nobles, Michael, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke April 19, 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

48. Perkins, Rufus, privt. Co. "B." died at Cedar Keys December 21, 

1840; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 
49. Perkins, Elon, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Fanning October 29, 1840; 
drowned on service. 

50. Procise, Peter, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke June 16, 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

51. Raine, William, privt. Co. "A," died at Punta Rassa September 26, 

1841; disease incident to climate aiJB the service in Florida. 

58. Relling, Stephen, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke November 20, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

53. Roberts, Nelson, privt. Co. "I," died at Fort Brooke July 23, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

54. Ross, James, privt. Co. "H," died at Wacasassa December 4, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

55. Rotier, Edward, privt. Co. "H," died at St. John's Bluff February (J, 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

56. Schmuck, Jacob, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke October 18, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

57. Smith, Nathaniel, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke February 18, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

58. Schwartz, Andrew, privt. Co. "C," died at Palatka August 20, 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

59. Scott, Philip, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Shannon December 14, 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

60. Seward, Harvey, Sergt Co. "H," died at Wahoo Swamp February 

12, 1842; killed in action. 

61. Taylor, Charles, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Brooke July 4. 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

62. Van Nostrand, I., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke October 23. 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

63. Van Patten, A., privt. Co. "H," died at Fort Brooke June 15, 1841; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

64. Watson, Robert, privt. Co. "C," died at Fort Brooke January 2, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

65. Willard, Addison, privt. Co. "K," died at Fort Brooke September 10, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

66. Weber, John, privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Brooke September 7, 

1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

67. Weidell, J. C. F., privt. Co. "G," died at Fort Pierce May 17, 1842; 

disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

68. Wesser, Henrick, privt. Co. "A," died at Fort Brooke September 

23, 1841; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

69. Wilcox, Augustus, privt. Co. "E," died at Palatka December 28. 

1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 

70. Young, Charles S., privt. Co. "K," died at St. Augustine February 

20, 1842; disease incident to climate and the service in Florida. 



180 Ponce dk Leon IjANdI 

Recruits U. S. Army. 

1. Clarke, Charles, recruit, died near Micanopy April 29, 1838; killed 

by Indians. 

2. Cooper, Henry, recruit, died at Picolata . 1837; disease un 

known. 

3. Flowers. Joel E., recruit, died at Port Heileman March 25, 1838 

disease unknown. 

4. Hosier, Alanson, recruit, died at Fort Mellon March 5, 1838 

disease unknown. 

5. Henderson, R. H. C, recruit, place of death unknown, died July 21, 

1839; killed by Indians. 

6. Jeffers, John, recruit, died at Picolata April 8. 1838; disease un- 

known. 

7. Ludwigh. Thomas, recruit, died at Picolata , 1837; disease 

unknown. 

8. McCaron, John, recruit, died at Picolata January 17, 1838; disease 

unknown. 

9. Reed, Charles, recruit, died at Picolata March — , 1838; disease 

unknown. 
10. Wever, Charles, recruit, died near Micanopy April 29, 1838; killed 
by Indians. 



Recapitulation. 



Medical Staff 10 

Lieutenant Colonels 3 

Majors 4 

Captains 20 

Lieutenants 37 

Sergeants 84 

Corporals 57 

Musicians, Artificers and privates 1.253 

Aggregate 



,1,468 



LBJaTOa 






Ponce de Ceon Dnd 



and 



florida mar Record 




f ourtb edition. 

$f^ Jlugustine, f lorida< 

By 6. m. erown, 
Ora. Scrflf. a. $, J\, 



THE RF.COIID PRINTIKG COMPANY. 

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

1902 



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